A tragic helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has resulted in the deaths of at least three people.
The incident occurred on Thursday, 24th October 2024, as the helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, was en route to the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Antan oil production facility.
According to a statement from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, the helicopter lost contact shortly after taking off from the Port Harcourt Nigerian Air Force Base at approximately 11:22 A.M.
“There were eight persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members),” said NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye. “Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered.”
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has confirmed the ongoing search and rescue operations, mobilising relevant agencies including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the National Safety Investigation Bureau.
Odutayo Oluseyi, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that “the helicopter… ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.”
Emergency response teams have been activated, and efforts are being made to locate the remaining passengers.
While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts are underway to plot the accident’s location.
“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,” Oluseyi added.
The NNPC has pledged to continue supporting the search and rescue operations and extended condolences to the families affected.
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