The Rivers State Police Command has said that all eight passengers inside the helicopter crash that occurred in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday, may have died.
Three persons were confirmed dead in earlier reports.
This was disclosed in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, noting that all the passengers may have lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The update comes after President Bola Tinubu ordered an intensified search, and directed the military to join search for the passengers involved in the crash.
The statement reads, “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.”
The accident occurred at 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt when the helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, took off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, the authorities said in a statement, adding that rescue efforts have been activated.
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