A SAFETY expert from Hampshire was among the four to have died in the Super Puma helicopter tragedy in the North Sea.

The helicopter suffered a “catastrophic loss of power”

before plunging into the sea off Shetland killing George Allison and three colleagues.

Mr Allison was a director and safety training specialist for engineering consultancy Rangefox, which he ran from his home in Francis Gardens, Abbotts Barton.

The 57-year-old had been working at the Offshore Dunbar Platform as a project safety supervisor for just over a year, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He was overseeing conversion work at the platform and at a drilling support vessel, it said.

Describing himself as a “highly qualified, experienced and competent safety advisor who has been working in an offshore environment globally for the past 27 years”, he said he was highly motivated, hard working and creative.

He listed his interests as swimming, fishing, art, riding his bicycle, cooking and reading.

According to an online business profile, he has worked as a project safety supervisor for Total Oil in the North Sea since August 2012.

He had more than 25 years experience in drilling and construction as well as marine salvage and rig repairs.

A spokesman for Total said: “We are extremely sad about what’s happened and our deepest sympathies go to Mr Allison’s family and everyone who has been affected by this incident.”

Mr Allison had also previously worked in Nigeria for Noble Drilling, providing health and safety training and maintaining morale.

The Daily Echo approached his family but they were too upset and declined to comment.

Mr Allison went to school in Cumbria, before attending Gateshead College and BCS College in Nottingham.

Former colleagues appreciated his talent according to comments made on his LinkedIn profile prior to his death.

Ronnie Watt, senior health & safety advisor at Total, said he would recommend Mr Allison to any company.

He said: “George is a very enthusiastic individual with good strengths in all areas.

George is an excellent team member and works well under pressure.”

Mike McMahon, drilling superintendent at Talisman Sinopec Energy, added: “George worked for me on the Total operated drilling rig Sedco 714 for approximately four years, in the role as offshore safety advisor.

“I found George to be a true safety focused professional. He personally made the Sedco 714 a safer place to work by rigorously enforcing a ‘safety culture’ and a ‘door is always open’ attitude.”

The other three victims have been named as Duncan Munro, 46, from Bishop Auckland; Sarah Darnley, 45, from Elgin and Gary McCrossan, 59, from Inverness.