Helicopter crash: 3 bodies recovered, rescue operations ongoing – NNPCL; Police confirm crash; Say 8 feared dead
By Emmanuella Anokam, Abuja/Desmond Ejibas, Port Harcourt
Oct. 24, 2024 Oct. 24, 2024
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) says three bodies have been recovered in the ongoing rescue operations of the helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, near Port-Harcourt on Thursday.
Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja
Soneye said the helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. with eight persons on board (six passengers and two crew members), name withheld.
According to the NNPCL spokesperson, the helicopter was engaged to transport personnel to its Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) facility, NUIMS ANTAN, when it tragically lost contact.
“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.
Soneye added that teams from the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) were actively participating in the rescue efforts.
He added that neighbouring aerodromes had been alerted to assist in the ongoing operations.
‘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
Soneye said the NNPCL would continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Police Command in Rivers has confirmed that eight persons were feared dead in the crash.
The Spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and made available to newsmen on Thursday.
Iringe-Koko stated that the helicopter was carrying two crew members and six passengers when it crashed into the sea.
She explained that the crash occurred around 11 a.m.
“Ifeanyi Udogwu, a staff member of Antan Producing Limited, reported to the command that a helicopter, with the call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), departed from the Nigerian Air Force base in Port Harcourt.
“The flight was en route to the Nuim Antan OML123 oil fields, carrying two crew members and six passengers.
“Unfortunately, at around 11 a.m., the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean, near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform and FPSO.
“All eight persons onboard are feared dead,” Iring-Koko stated.
She added that the command’s marine division was working closely with other agencies to recover the aircraft and its occupants.
Iringe-Koko also extended the command’s deepest condolences to the families of those affected by the tragic accident.
