NNPC Limited (NNPCL) has said it engaged the helicopter, which crashed earlier on Thursday, confirming that there were five persons on board.
In a statement on his X account, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye said that the helicopter, which took of from Port Harcourt NAF base enroute the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN, lost contact at about 11.22 am.
Soneye’s statement read: “On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.
“There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement. Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered.
“We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time. We assure that we will continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation”.
Earlier, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, also confirmed the accident, which occurred along the waterways near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
A statement on X by the Head Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi read: “The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.
“The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies. Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for support.
“While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway, and all available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimise casualties from this unfortunate incident. Further information will be provided as details emerge.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time”,
