The Rivers State Police Command has reported that all eight passengers aboard the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt on Thursday are likely deceased.
Initially, three fatalities were confirmed.
The incident occurred at 11:22 a.m. when a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
Read Also: Former Reps Member Aliyu Ahman-Pategi Dies At 59
According to Odutayo Oluseyi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, there were eight individuals on board.
The helicopter went down in the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, prompting authorities to initiate rescue operations.
However, in a recent update, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-Koko stated that it is feared all passengers may have perished in the tragedy.
This update follows an order from President Bola Tinubu for an intensified search and the involvement of military resources in the recovery efforts.
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
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
