The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has officially opened up on the helicopter crash that occurred along the waterways in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
NaijaOnPoint.com.ng (NOP) reports the helicopter crash occurred today, 24th October 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.
In a statement, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited disclosed a search and rescue mission is currently ongoing.
Soneye confirmed in the statement that there were 8 persons on board the helicopter and that so far, three (3) bodies have been recovered.
The statement reads: “On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.
“There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement. Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered.
“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”.