By Emmanuella Anokam
THE NIGERIAN National Petroleum Company Ltd 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), names 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,” Soneye said, adding 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 said 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, noting that 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.
Keyamo commiserates victims’ families
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has commiserated families of victims of the crash.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Odutayo Oluseyi, Head, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, Oct. 24, 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,” he said.
He said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations were ongoing.
According to him, the ongoing operations are with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), NSIB and other relevant agencies.
He added that the neighbouring aerodromes had also been notified for support.
“While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway.
“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.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimize 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 said. (NAN)
