The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that three bodies have been recovered after a helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Rescue operations are still ongoing as authorities continue their efforts to locate the remaining passengers and crew members.
In a statement released on Thursday by Mr. Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, it was revealed that the helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, had taken off from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Port Harcourt. The helicopter was heading to the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, known as NUIMS ANTAN, when the incident occurred.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76, was transporting eight people – six passengers and two crew members – at the time of the crash. According to Soneye, the helicopter lost contact at 11:22 am, shortly after it left the Port Harcourt NAF Base. The names of the passengers and crew members have not been disclosed at this time.
“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,” he said.
He further noted that rescue efforts were being coordinated by the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). Additional support is also being provided by neighboring aerodromes that have been alerted to assist in the search for survivors.
Soneye explained that while no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal had been detected, manual methods were being used to track the crash site.
‘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,” he said
“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 will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation,” he said.
