It was believed four were from other parts of Scotland, three from elsewhere in the UK and one from Europe.

The first of the victims was today named as Stuart Wood, of Newmachar, an employee of well-management firm Expro.

Assistant Chief Constable Colin Menzies said, “Sadly, in the cold light of day, we must face the very grim reality that while eight bodies were recovered yesterday, we must now face the very real prospect that the entire crew of 16 of this helicopter have tragically been lost.

“It is, sadly, largely a recovery operation.”

Mr Menzies said the impact on the local community would be “tangible”, adding, “There is a sense of quietness about the city.

“We are used to hearing and seeing helicopters every few minutes over Aberdeen, and it’s been that way for the last 25 or 30 years.

“I’d be surprised if there was anyone in Aberdeen, or outside the city in the broader North-east community, who doesn’t have this event on their mind.”

At the time of yesterday’s incident, the weather was dry and settled with light breezes and “moderate to good” visibility.

A mayday alarm was sent by the crew to Aberdeen Airport Air Traffic Control just before 2pm and coastguard teams were informed immediately. Within minutes, nearby Norwegian vessel the Normand Aurora reported it saw the smash from three miles away and launched its fast rescue craft.

RNLI crews from Peterhead and Fraserburgh were scrambled as vessels in the area were also asked to help search for survivors. And two RAF helicopters as well as a Nimrod marine patrol aircraft, Rescue 51, were sent out. However, as teams made their way to the scene, there was no sign of survivors.

By 6.20pm, wreckage and both the helicopter’s life rafts had been recovered.

And shortly after 8pm, Caledonian Victory crew were asked to make their way back to Aberdeen — with eight bodies on board.

Search operations stopped at 10pm and began again at first light today as other vessels continued to help.

A coastguard spokesman confirmed a scaled-down search started around 6.30am.

Meanwhile, tributes were today paid to Mr Wood. Angie Still, whose husband Derek knew Stuart through Newmachar FC, said, “Stuart was a lovely guy. He was just a full-of-fun, typical young lad.”