A tragic helicopter crash occurred in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, October 24, claiming the lives of eight passengers.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG, operated by East Wind Aviation, took off from Port Harcourt Military Base and was headed to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN oil rig when it ditched into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima.
According to SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, the incident happened at approximately 11 am. Mr. Ifeanyi Udogwu of Antan Producing Limited reported that the helicopter carried two crew members and six passengers.
Initially, three persons were confirmed dead. The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command was cooperating with other agencies to recover the aircraft and occupants.
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo SAN confirmed the incident in a press release.
The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigations into the accident. Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic incident. We are fully committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident.”
The full statement is written below
‘’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
