Oil worker was a 'wonderful son'

Mr Barkley was originally from Ballymoney

The family of a man from NI killed in the North Sea Super Puma helicopter crash have said his death has left the "biggest of holes in our hearts".

Brian Barkley, 30, had been working for Abderdeeen-based KCA Deutag Drilling Limited.

Mr Barkley, originally from Ballymoney, was killed along with 15 other people in the crash 14 miles off the Aberdeenshire coast last week.

"To us he was a wonderful son, brother and fiancé," read a family statement.

"He planned to 'grow up' and get married next year and soon after start a family of his own. He had hoped that a few years from now he and his family would move to Anna's homeland of Denmark to raise their children.

"His life was falling into place and he was slowly getting to realise his goals."

At this time we would like to thank all those involved in the rescue operation to bring home all our men and everyone who is still involved in the current investigations

Barkley family

The statement continued: "He was most happy while onshore playing online games, watching Liverpool FC matches, seeing friends and spending time with the woman he loved.

"At this time we would like to thank all those involved in the rescue operation to bring home all our men and everyone who is still involved in the current investigations.

"We understand that this is not an easy time for these people either and we appreciate all the effort they are putting in."

Half of those killed came from the north east of Scotland, the others from across the UK and one from Latvia.

Wreckage

All 16 bodies have already been returned to shore.

The wreckage from the crash has now been moved to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch headquarters.

The helicopter had been returning from BP's Miller oil platform when it crashed last Wednesday.

The UK Oil and Gas Chaplaincy will conduct a memorial service on Wednesday 15 April in the Kirk of St Nicholas in Aberdeen.