A tragic helicopter crash near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has claimed the lives of three individuals, with search and rescue operations ongoing to locate the remaining five passengers.
Odutayo Oluseyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.
Also, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), in its statement issued by spokesperson Oluwafemi Soneye, confirmed the helicopter’s involvement with its operations.
According to the NNPC, the helicopter was engaged to transport personnel to its Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) facility, NUIMS ANTAN, when it tragically lost contact.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima. The flight had eight people on board — six passengers and two crew members — when contact was lost at 11:22 am.
“So far, three bodies have been recovered,” Oluseyi said, adding that teams from the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) are actively participating in the rescue efforts. Neighbouring aerodromes have been alerted to assist in the ongoing operations.
Although no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was detected, authorities are using manual methods to track the accident site. Low-flying aircraft and military units are being deployed in the search for survivors.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is overseeing efforts to coordinate a comprehensive response, working closely with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, which confirmed that the helicopter was heading to its floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility.
“Our prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their families during this difficult time,” the NNPC added in its statement.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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