The Rivers State Police Command has reported that all eight passengers aboard the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt on Thursday are feared dead. Initial reports confirmed the deaths of three passengers.
The incident occurred at 11:22 a.m. over Port Harcourt waterways when the helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG operated by East Wind Aviation, departed from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) en route to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN oil rig. A total of eight individuals were confirmed to be on board, according to Odutayo Oluseyi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
After the aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, rescue operations were launched. However, an update from Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, indicated that it’s likely all passengers may have perished in the crash.
This update follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an intensified search mission, involving the military to support the ongoing efforts to locate the passengers.
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 member 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
