Rescue operations are ongoing following a helicopter crash involving an NNPCL aircraft. As of now, three bodies have been recovered from the crash site. The incident occurred in the vicinity of an oil facility, and search and rescue teams are working to locate any additional victims and assess the situation.
NNPCL (Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited) has confirmed the crash and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and further updates will be provided as the rescue efforts continue.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) has confirmed that three bodies have been recovered from the helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Port Harcourt on Thursday. Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, provided this update in a statement to newsmen in Abuja. Rescue operations are still underway as search teams continue to work in the area. Further details regarding the incident are expected as investigations progress.
Mr. Olufemi Soneye of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) provided additional details regarding the helicopter crash involving East Winds Aviation. The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, which had eight individuals on board—six passengers and two crew members—was transporting personnel from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMS ANTAN Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) facility when it lost contact at 11:22 AM.
The crash occurred near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the absence of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, search efforts are ongoing, employing manual tracking methods. Teams from the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) are actively involved in the rescue operations, with nearby aerodromes alerted to assist.
Soneye expressed the NNPCL’s commitment to supporting the search and rescue efforts, stating, “We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as events unfold.” He also extended prayers to the passengers, crew, and their families during this challenging time.
