Helicopter crashes
Helicopter crashes, three killed, rescue efforts activated
A helicopter crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, killing three persons on board, as rescue operations have been activated to save others.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, crashed around 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt, after taking off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi, said apart from the dead three persons, five other people were on board, totalling eight people.
The accident occurred because the helicopter aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
A statement from aviation authorities said rescue efforts were ongoing at the accident site.
The ministry said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and neighbouring aerodromes have been notified, and search and rescue operations have commenced with the support of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other relevant agencies.
According to the statement, “While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway, and all available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered.”
Indeed, the helicopter is said to have the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) personnel onboard.
A statement by NNPCL spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed that the helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation was engaged by NNPC Limited.
According to him, “We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time.
“We assure that we will continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.”
About The Author
