A schoolboy, his father and six other crewmen were presumed dead tonight after rescuers called off the search for survivors of a capsized oil rig vessel.
The 15-year-old boy, who was on work experience with his father, were understood to be among those lost in the Bourbon Dolphin, which overturned yesterday afternoon 75 miles north west of Shetland.
There were 15 Norwegian crew aboard the handling supply tug, which was undertaking a routine operation at the drilling rig Transocean Rather when it capsized at 5.20pm.
Ten of the crew were recovered last night but three were later confirmed dead. Rescuers were pinning their hopes on the possibility that the five remaining crew members could have survived in an air pocket in the hull.
Royal Navy divers from Faslane on the Clyde had been searching for signs of life but they were forced to call off the search this afternoon. The decision effectively brought an end to the possibility that the five could be rescued.
A Shetland spokesman said: "Navy divers dived on the ship and on the wheelhouse but found nothing. And that is all they were able to achieve.
"The diving operation is done and they are waiting to be picked up. In effect this operation is now at the salvage stage." Seven survivors were airlifted to Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick, Shetland last night.
Representatives from Bourbon Offshore and family members arrived in Lerwick this afternoon.
PA