Tragic reports indicate that all eight passengers aboard a chopper that crashed near Bonny are feared dead, according to police sources. Read more on the unfolding investigation and recovery efforts.
The Rivers State Police Command has announced that all eight passengers involved in the helicopter crash on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, may have lost their lives.
Earlier reports confirmed the deaths of three individuals.
The accident happened at 11:22 a.m. on the waterways in Port Harcourt when a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, departed from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
READ ALSO: Tragic Helicopter Crash in Port Harcourt Claims Three Lives
According to Odutayo Oluseyi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, there were eight people confirmed on board.
According to a statement from the authorities, the aircraft made an emergency landing in the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. They also announced that rescue operations have been initiated.
In a recent update, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, indicated in a statement that it is believed all passengers may have perished in the unfortunate incident.
The update follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to intensify the search efforts, instructing the military to assist in locating the passengers involved in the crash.
Read Full Press Statement Below:
PRESS RELEASE
SEA DISASTER: HELICOPTER CRASH NEAR MIMBO AND FPSO, EIGHT FEARED DEAD
The Rivers State Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at approximately 11 am.
Mr Ifeanyi Udogwu, a staff of Antan Producing Limited, Port Harcourt, reported to the Command that a helicopter with the call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), belonging to East Wing Aviation, departed from the NAF Base in Port Harcourt. The flight was bound for Nuim Antan OML123 fields, carrying two crew members and six passengers.
Unfortunately, at about 11 am, the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform and FPSO. All eight persons onboard are feared dead.
The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is cooperating with other agencies to recover the aircraft and the occupants.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN confirmed the incident in a Press release.
The Rivers State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims during this tragic time.
SP GRACE IRINGE-KOKO, ANIPR,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND
