A helicopter Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, has crashed into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The Minister, Festus Keyamo confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.
Keyamo said, “The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.
“The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated, search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies. Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for support.”
The minister said no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received.
According to him, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway.
He said, “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.”
Keyamo assured that he is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimise casualties from this unfortunate incident.
“Further information will be provided as details emerge. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time,” he added.
Three Bodies Recovered
In an update via a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, (NNPC), Olufemi Soneye, the company disclosed that three bodies were recovered from the crash site.
NNPC said, “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.”