Since 1986 rescue ships run by the oil companies in the North sea off Scotlands shores have rescued 210 people, more than half of whom were from oil and gas rigs.

Now BP plans to axe it ship fleet and use helicopters only for support and rescue missions.

This is not good enough. Bad weather often grounds helicopters when ships can STILL attempt rescue and after the piper alpha disaster we learned we need recue ships and helicopters.

BP should be persuaded that their gigantic profits can accommodate ships and helicopters for rescue and this should be a legal requirement for their continued operation in the North sea. The costs are negligible in face of the lives they protect. You would think that BP would WANT to appear as a company that cares about its employees and the environment.