The family of the Scot who was among the victims of a North Sea helicopter crash has told how the accident "devastated" their lives.

Angus MacArthur, 38, of Maryburgh in Ross-shire, was one of the 11 people on board the aircraft when it came down about 30 miles off the Norfolk coast.

He and his wife Ann, 42, had two sons aged nine and four.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the emergency and rescue services for their work in carrying out the search

Family statement

Mr MacArthur's funeral is due to take place on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Friday, his family paid tribute to those involved in the rescue operation.

"The recent helicopter crash in Norfolk has devastated our lives and we are still trying to come to terms with the loss of Angus," said the statement.

"Angus was a loving husband and a wonderful father to the boys and can never be replaced.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the emergency and rescue services for their work in carrying out the search last week."

Transporting workers

The MacArthurs said that their prayers were with the families of the other victims of the tragedy - including the family of the man whose body has yet to be recovered.

"We recognise the painful agony they must be going through," the statement said.

The Sikorsky S-76A crashed on 16 July while it was transporting workers between installations in the Shell field.

Experts blamed a broken rotor blade for the crash

Aviation experts from the Department of Transport said the accident was caused by a broken rotor blade.

Air accident investigators said this week that evidence from the wreckage suggested one of the main rotor blades broke off during the flight.

They found no sign of any error on the part of the crew or maintenance staff.

The two pilots and nine passengers died in the crash.

A memorial service for the victims was held on Sunday at St Nicholas' Church, Great Yarmouth.