A devastating helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, claimed the lives of three individuals on Thursday. The helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation, was transporting personnel from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMS ANTAN oil rig when it plunged into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
Confirming the incident, Odutayo Oluseyi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, revealed that eight individuals were aboard the ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, with registration 5NBQG. While three bodies have been recovered, search and rescue operations are ongoing for the remaining passengers.
In a statement, the Ministry disclosed that the aircraft crashed at 11:22 a.m., and rescue efforts, involving the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit and other agencies, were immediately activated. “So far, no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal has been received, but manual efforts are underway to locate the crash site. Low-flying aircraft and the military have been deployed to assist.”
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the helicopter was contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), with their personnel among the passengers. NNPCL spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the copter was engaged by the oil company and stated that they are monitoring the situation closely. “Our thoughts are with the families affected, and we remain committed to supporting the ongoing rescue efforts,” Soneye added.
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, is actively working with relevant agencies to minimise casualties from this tragic incident. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
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