A Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation has crashed into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
While three bodies have been recovered, frantic efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining five victims.
Information gathered by Tribune Online indicated that the pilot of the aircraft, who was in contact with the officials of the airline waiting to receive them at the floating station, lost contact five minutes into arriving at its destination.
Confirming this in a statement signed and issued by the head of press and public relations at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo, the ill-fated helicopter with eight people onboard was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it ran into a yet-to-be ascertained problem.
According to the statement: “The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
“The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies. Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for support.
“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.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimise casualties from this unfortunate incident. Further information will be provided as details emerge.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time.”
As of the time of filing this report, a team of divers has been deployed to the scene to ensure the other five bodies are recovered.
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