The Rivers State Police Command has reported that all eight passengers aboard the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Thursday may have perished.
Earlier reports confirmed three fatalities.
The accident occurred at 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt when a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, took off from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
According to Odutayo Oluseyi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, there were a total of eight individuals on board.
The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, prompting authorities to activate rescue efforts.
However, in a subsequent update, the Rivers State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that it is likely that all passengers lost their lives in the tragic incident.
This update follows President Bola Tinubu’s order for an intensified search and his directive for the military to assist in the search for 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