A helicopter with registration number: 5NBQG, which crashed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), spokesperson for the company, Olufemi Soneye has said.
According to the statement, the ill-fated helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, had personnel of the NNPCL onboard.
The 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 Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, had in a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head Press and Public Relations confirmed the accident.
Below is the full statement:
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 minimize 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.
Signed, Odutayo Oluseyi Head Press and Public Relations
Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Federal Republic of Nigeria.