An air and sea search has been launched for a man missing from an oil rig in the North Sea.
The 49-year-old, who works on the Noble Loyd Noble installation in the Mariner oil field about 90 miles (150km) east of Shetland, could not be located on board the platform.
Police were called to the rig at around 9.20pm on Tuesday evening.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "An extensive search of the rig itself and the water surrounding it is ongoing, led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
"This involves the use of a search and rescue helicopter, two standby vessels and a platform supply vessel.
"We are working closely with the companies involved and next of kin to keep them informed of any developments."
The Noble Lloyd Noble installation is one of the world's largest jack-up rigs, with long support legs that can be raised or lowered to move the platform.
Drilling began in the Mariner oil field in 2016, and the rig is expected to produce its first oil in 2018.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Common painkillers may increase risk of heart attack
Taking common painkillers on a regular basis could increase the risk of a heart attack, according to new research.
Researchers from Canada, Finland and Germany looked at previous studies bringing together the data of almost 450,000 people, 61,460 of whom had suffered a heart attack.
They found that any dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, was associated with an increased risk.
Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This large-scale study worryingly highlights just how quickly you become at risk of having a heart attack after starting NSAIDs.
"Whether you are being prescribed painkillers like ibuprofen, or buying them over the counter, people must be made aware of the risk and alternative medication should be considered where appropriate."
John Smith, chief executive of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, which represents makers of over-the-counter medicine, said: "NSAIDs that are available to buy over the counter are much lower doses than those prescribed.
"Prescribed NSAIDs are also typically used daily and for much longer duration, often to treat long-term conditions.
"People taking over-the-counter NSAIDs should not be concerned by this research if they are taking the medicine occasionally for short periods and according to the on-pack instructions."
The study is published in the British Medical Journal.
Researchers from Canada, Finland and Germany looked at previous studies bringing together the data of almost 450,000 people, 61,460 of whom had suffered a heart attack.
They found that any dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, was associated with an increased risk.
Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This large-scale study worryingly highlights just how quickly you become at risk of having a heart attack after starting NSAIDs.
"Whether you are being prescribed painkillers like ibuprofen, or buying them over the counter, people must be made aware of the risk and alternative medication should be considered where appropriate."
John Smith, chief executive of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, which represents makers of over-the-counter medicine, said: "NSAIDs that are available to buy over the counter are much lower doses than those prescribed.
"Prescribed NSAIDs are also typically used daily and for much longer duration, often to treat long-term conditions.
"People taking over-the-counter NSAIDs should not be concerned by this research if they are taking the medicine occasionally for short periods and according to the on-pack instructions."
The study is published in the British Medical Journal.
Shocked FBI boss James Comey thought his firing was a prank
It doesn't look good. For Donald Trump's opponents, it has all the hallmarks of a cover up.
President Trump fires the man leading the FBI investigation into whether his campaign colluded with Russia in the 2016 election.
It was a decision advised by the attorney general who recused himself from any probe into possible Kremlin links because he falsely testified about his own contacts with Russia.
The White House says Comey's sacking has nothing to do with Russia and everything to do with his mishandling of Hillary Clinton's email investigation which left him unable to "effectively lead the bureau".
It is time for a fresh start at the FBI, it says - with who knows who at the helm.
But the core of Trump's rationale for firing Comey is the same thing he praised the former director for during his campaign, admiring the "guts" it took for him to reopen the investigation into Clinton's emails just days before the election.
Democrats aren't buying it - they say the Russian investigation is now in danger of becoming a charade.
During James Comey's recent testimony at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, the then FBI director could not say unequivocally that the president is not a target of the ongoing Russia investigation.
This is perhaps why, in his dismissal letter, Trump made very deliberate reference to Comey informing him "on three separate occasions" that he is not under investigation.
Trump's opponents say he's protesting too much.
James Comey reportedly thought his removal was a prank.
The former FBI director learned he'd been sacked from TV news coverage while addressing employees in LA.
This is only the second time in US history that a president has fired an FBI director.
An administration known for shock moves has surpassed itself.
President Trump fires the man leading the FBI investigation into whether his campaign colluded with Russia in the 2016 election.
It was a decision advised by the attorney general who recused himself from any probe into possible Kremlin links because he falsely testified about his own contacts with Russia.
The White House says Comey's sacking has nothing to do with Russia and everything to do with his mishandling of Hillary Clinton's email investigation which left him unable to "effectively lead the bureau".
It is time for a fresh start at the FBI, it says - with who knows who at the helm.
But the core of Trump's rationale for firing Comey is the same thing he praised the former director for during his campaign, admiring the "guts" it took for him to reopen the investigation into Clinton's emails just days before the election.
Democrats aren't buying it - they say the Russian investigation is now in danger of becoming a charade.
During James Comey's recent testimony at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, the then FBI director could not say unequivocally that the president is not a target of the ongoing Russia investigation.
This is perhaps why, in his dismissal letter, Trump made very deliberate reference to Comey informing him "on three separate occasions" that he is not under investigation.
Trump's opponents say he's protesting too much.
James Comey reportedly thought his removal was a prank.
The former FBI director learned he'd been sacked from TV news coverage while addressing employees in LA.
This is only the second time in US history that a president has fired an FBI director.
An administration known for shock moves has surpassed itself.
SpaceX successfully tests Falcon Heavy rocket ahead of space missions
SpaceX has successfully completed a test fire of the centre core of its Falcon Heavy rocket, which will be the world's most powerful rocket when put into operation.
The Falcon Heavy rocket is key to the company's plans of sending manned missions to the Moon, and eventually to Mars.
Its first launch is one of 27 which SpaceX has planned for this calendar year, more than triple the eight flights it managed in 2016.
According to the company, the Falcon Heavy will be the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two.
SpaceX has now released footage of a successful test of the rocket's centre core which took place at its rocket development facility in Texas last week.
SpaceX aims to safely land rockets after launching them for re-use, and estimates the launch cost of the Falcon Heavy, which is capable of lifting 63,000kg into low Earth orbit, at $90m.
The company, which was founded by billionaire Elon Musk, made history in March when it launched a rocket which had successfully returned after a previous launch.
SpaceX has claimed that Falcon Heavy "was designed from the outset to carry humans into space and restores the possibility of flying missions with crew to the Moon or Mars".
The rocket design is heavily based on the Falcon rockets used by the firm to make deliveries to the International Space Station.
The company says the rocket can lift the equivalent of a fully loaded 737 jetliner, complete with passengers, luggage and fuel, into orbit.
It aims to be able to lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational rocket, the Delta IV Heavy, at what SpaceX claims is a third of the cost because the rocket can be landed and recycled.
The Falcon Heavy rocket is key to the company's plans of sending manned missions to the Moon, and eventually to Mars.
Its first launch is one of 27 which SpaceX has planned for this calendar year, more than triple the eight flights it managed in 2016.
According to the company, the Falcon Heavy will be the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two.
SpaceX has now released footage of a successful test of the rocket's centre core which took place at its rocket development facility in Texas last week.
SpaceX aims to safely land rockets after launching them for re-use, and estimates the launch cost of the Falcon Heavy, which is capable of lifting 63,000kg into low Earth orbit, at $90m.
The company, which was founded by billionaire Elon Musk, made history in March when it launched a rocket which had successfully returned after a previous launch.
SpaceX has claimed that Falcon Heavy "was designed from the outset to carry humans into space and restores the possibility of flying missions with crew to the Moon or Mars".
The rocket design is heavily based on the Falcon rockets used by the firm to make deliveries to the International Space Station.
The company says the rocket can lift the equivalent of a fully loaded 737 jetliner, complete with passengers, luggage and fuel, into orbit.
It aims to be able to lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational rocket, the Delta IV Heavy, at what SpaceX claims is a third of the cost because the rocket can be landed and recycled.
Conservative election spending charges decision due
A decision on whether to prosecute any Conservative candidates for breaching election spending laws during campaigning in 2015 is expected to be made later.
Some 14 police forces have sent files to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over the past few months.
Each file relates to allegations concerning a candidate and an election agent and the number of people involved totals at least 30.
The allegations relate to busloads of Conservative activists sent to key seats whose expenses were reported as part of national campaign spending, rather than falling within the lower constituency limits.
The CPS said files had been received from the Metropolitan Police, as well as forces in Avon and Somerset, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, West Mercia, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire.
If any General Election candidates are prosecuted, the Conservatives could choose to suspend them and replace them.
The decision comes just a day before the nominations for next month's election close.
Some 14 police forces have sent files to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over the past few months.
Each file relates to allegations concerning a candidate and an election agent and the number of people involved totals at least 30.
The allegations relate to busloads of Conservative activists sent to key seats whose expenses were reported as part of national campaign spending, rather than falling within the lower constituency limits.
The CPS said files had been received from the Metropolitan Police, as well as forces in Avon and Somerset, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, West Mercia, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire.
If any General Election candidates are prosecuted, the Conservatives could choose to suspend them and replace them.
The decision comes just a day before the nominations for next month's election close.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
President Donald Trump fires FBI director James Comey
Donald Trump has fired FBI boss James Comey, with a White House statement saying he had been "terminated and removed from office".
He was dismissed on the recommendation of US attorney general Jeff Sessions and the deputy attorney general, the statement added.
Sky News US Correspondent Greg Milam said the news had "taken all of Washington by surprise". Indeed, Mr Comey reportedly thought it was a prank.
In a letter to Mr Comey, the president told him he was "not able to effectively lead" the FBI.
"While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgement of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau.
"It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission," Mr Trump wrote.
The decision to sack Mr Comey will raise questions about Mr Trump's motives, in light of the fact that Mr Comey had been leading the FBI investigation into the Trump campaign's Russia links.
Milam added that some members of the committees investigating the Russian links "believe this is an abuse of power and that's why the controversy about this isn't going to go away, even though James Comey has left office".
The search for Mr Comey's successor will start immediately.
Mr Comey, 56, was nominated by Mr Trump's predecessor Barack Obama in 2013 for a 10-year term, having served three decades in law enforcement.
The father of five was known for his tenacity, his towering height (he is 6'8 tall) and being a highly skilled political operator.
Many were surprised by Mr Trump's decision to keep Mr Comey and some saw it as a reward for his role in damaging the presidential campaign of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by reopening an investigation into her email practices as secretary of state.
But in March, Mr Comey took aim at Mr Trump during a hearing on Russia's alleged meddling in the election.
He confirmed the FBI was investigating the allegations and Russia's possible connections with Mr Trump's campaign.
He also denied Mr Trump's claim that he had been wiretapped by Mr Obama.
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden described the decision as "outrageous", fellow Democrat Mark Warner said it was "shocking and deeply troubling", while other Democrats called for an independent prosecutor to continue the investigation into Russian links with the presidential campaign.
Milam said the timing was "making a lot of people here, Democrats mainly, very uneasy", adding that some were describing the situation as "a constitutional crisis".
He added: "Here you have the head of an organisation that is investigating the White House and the White House taking the decision to remove the head of that organisation."
It emerged that Mr Trump had called at least two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee before the White House announced the firing of Mr Comey - Lindsey Graham and Dianne Feinstein.
Mr Graham is heading the panel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and Ms Feinstein is the committee's top Democrat.
Mr Graham said that "given the recent controversies surrounding the director, I believe a fresh start will serve the FBI and the nation well", while Ms Feinstein said Mr Trump told her the FBI needed a change, and that the next director "must be strong and independent."
Reuters reported, however, that US intelligence agencies were not told of Mr Trump's move in advance.
He was dismissed on the recommendation of US attorney general Jeff Sessions and the deputy attorney general, the statement added.
Sky News US Correspondent Greg Milam said the news had "taken all of Washington by surprise". Indeed, Mr Comey reportedly thought it was a prank.
In a letter to Mr Comey, the president told him he was "not able to effectively lead" the FBI.
"While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgement of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau.
"It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission," Mr Trump wrote.
The decision to sack Mr Comey will raise questions about Mr Trump's motives, in light of the fact that Mr Comey had been leading the FBI investigation into the Trump campaign's Russia links.
Milam added that some members of the committees investigating the Russian links "believe this is an abuse of power and that's why the controversy about this isn't going to go away, even though James Comey has left office".
The search for Mr Comey's successor will start immediately.
Mr Comey, 56, was nominated by Mr Trump's predecessor Barack Obama in 2013 for a 10-year term, having served three decades in law enforcement.
The father of five was known for his tenacity, his towering height (he is 6'8 tall) and being a highly skilled political operator.
Many were surprised by Mr Trump's decision to keep Mr Comey and some saw it as a reward for his role in damaging the presidential campaign of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by reopening an investigation into her email practices as secretary of state.
But in March, Mr Comey took aim at Mr Trump during a hearing on Russia's alleged meddling in the election.
He confirmed the FBI was investigating the allegations and Russia's possible connections with Mr Trump's campaign.
He also denied Mr Trump's claim that he had been wiretapped by Mr Obama.
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden described the decision as "outrageous", fellow Democrat Mark Warner said it was "shocking and deeply troubling", while other Democrats called for an independent prosecutor to continue the investigation into Russian links with the presidential campaign.
Milam said the timing was "making a lot of people here, Democrats mainly, very uneasy", adding that some were describing the situation as "a constitutional crisis".
He added: "Here you have the head of an organisation that is investigating the White House and the White House taking the decision to remove the head of that organisation."
It emerged that Mr Trump had called at least two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee before the White House announced the firing of Mr Comey - Lindsey Graham and Dianne Feinstein.
Mr Graham is heading the panel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and Ms Feinstein is the committee's top Democrat.
Mr Graham said that "given the recent controversies surrounding the director, I believe a fresh start will serve the FBI and the nation well", while Ms Feinstein said Mr Trump told her the FBI needed a change, and that the next director "must be strong and independent."
Reuters reported, however, that US intelligence agencies were not told of Mr Trump's move in advance.
Trump to send arms to Kurdish YPG in Syria
The United States on Tuesday announced it would supply weapons and military equipment to Kurdish fighters battling ISIL in Syria, despite intense opposition from NATO ally Turkey.
Dana W. White, the Pentagon's chief spokeswoman, said in a written statement that US President Donald Trump had authorised the arms shipments on Monday.
She said Trump's approval gave the Pentagon the go-ahead to "equip Kurdish elements of the Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF] as necessary to ensure a clear victory" over ISIL in Raqqa, the armed group's self-declared capital in Syria.
Turkey threatens further strikes on US-allied Syrian Kurds
The Kurdish elements of the SDF are from the Kurdish Peoples' Protection Units (YPG) and they have been the main faction fighting ISIL, which stands for Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and is also known as ISIS, on the ground in Syria.
The Pentagon statement said they are "the only force on the ground that can successfully seize Raqqa in the near future".
But Turkey says YPG fighters are linked to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) separatists inside Turkey, who have waged an armed campaign since 1984 that has killed over 40,000 people.
There was no immediate reaction from Turkish officials, but the move is expected to anger Ankara which considers the Kurdish forces to be "terrorists".
"The Turks are going to be unhappy with this because, in no way, they want to see any kind of bolstering of strength of Kurdish forces in that area," Al Jazeera's Charles Stratford, reporting from Gaziantep on the Turkish side of the Syria-Turkey border, said.
"The SDF now are saying that after Raqqa they want to push further south to take Deir Az Zor ... [and the] Trump administration's reaffirmed support is no doubt going to upset the Turks very much."
READ MORE: Kurdish YPG fighters dominate Turkey-US talks
The Pentagon's announcement comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Trump in Washington next week.
Speaking to Al Jazeera last month, Erdogan criticised Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, over an agreement between the two to fight what he described as "terrorist groups" operating in Turkey.
"With President Obama, we had a mutual agreement about the PKK - but Obama deceived us. I don't believe the Trump administration will do the same," Erdogan said.
"The YPG is an arm of the PKK. We must put an end to this," he added.
"We can't destroy one terrorist group with another one. We are strategic partners with the US."
While the Pentagon's statement did not mention the kinds of arms to be provided to the Kurds, other officials had indicated in recent days that 120mm mortars, machines guns, ammunition and light armored vehicles were possibilities. They said the US would not provide artillery or surface-to-air missiles.
As many as 1,000 US troops are working alongside the SDF inside Syria.
Senior US officials including General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have met repeatedly with Turkish officials to try to work out an arrangement for the Raqqa assault that would be acceptable to Ankara.
Ankara has insisted that the Syrian Kurds be excluded from that operation, but US officials said there was no real alternative.
In her statement, White, of the Pentagon, said the US prioritises its support for the Arab elements of the SDF.
"We are keenly aware of the security concerns of our coalition partner Turkey," she said.
"We want to reassure the people and government of Turkey that the US is committed to preventing additional security risks and protecting our NATO ally."
Other officials said Trump's authorisation includes safeguards intended to reassure Ankara that the additional US weaponry and equipment will not be used by the Kurds in Turkey.
OPINION: The US must heed Turkish concerns in Syria
The intent is to restrict the distribution and use of the weaponry by permitting its use for specific battlefield missions and then requiring the Kurds to return it to US control.
The decision to arm the Kurds was announced just hours after US Defence Minister James Mattis met with a Turkish official in Denmark at an anti-ISIL coalition summit.
Mattis sounded upbeat on the relationship with Turkey, but it was not clear if the arming of the Kurds had come up in the discussion.
Is Washington undermining its alliance with Ankara?
The Pentagon chief said he had useful discussions with Turkey and described the two countries as working out differences over the US' alliance with Syrian Kurds.
"That's not to say we all walk into the room with exactly the same appreciation of the problem or the path forward," Mattis told reporters after meeting with officials from more than a dozen nations also fighting ISIL.
"We're going to sort it out," Mattis said. "We'll figure out how we're going to do it."
Tensions escalated last month when Turkey launched air raids on Kurdish bases in Syria and Iraq. The Turkish military said it killed at least 90 fighters and wounded scores.
The Kurdish group in Syria said 20 of its fighters and media activists were killed in the strike, which was followed by cross-border clashes.
The instability has concerned Washington, which fears it will slow the effort to retake Raqqa.
"We've been conducting military and diplomatic dialogue with the Turks and it was a very, very useful discussion today," Mattis told reporters.
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