The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that it hired the helicopter involved in a tragic crash in Rivers State on Thursday. The helicopter, which was chartered by NNPCL, went down in a river, prompting a swift search and rescue mission.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, provided further details about the incident. According to Soneye, the helicopter, registered as 5NBQG, lost contact with ground control around 11:22 a.m. on October 24, 2024.
The aircraft had departed from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt and was heading to the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, NUIMS ANTAN, an offshore oil facility.
“The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation,” Soneye said, confirming the operator of the ill-fated flight.
Earlier reports indicated that there were eight people on board when the helicopter crashed. Soneye provided more details, stating that the passengers included six civilians and two crew members. The specific purpose of the flight has not yet been confirmed, but it is believed to be connected to NNPCL’s oil and gas operations in the region.
He added: “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.”
