The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has confirmed “a distressing report of an helicopter crash that occured along the waterways of Port Harcourt, Rivers on Thursday at about 11:22am”.
He made the confirmation in a statement he posted on his verified X handle by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Odutayo Oluseyi.
The statement reads “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 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.
“The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
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“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 Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian 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 is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimize 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”.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has confirmed that the helicopter involved in a crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was heading to its floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility.
In a statement on Thursday, NNPC spokesperson, Oluwafemi Soneye, said the national oil company had engaged the helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation.
According to the statement, the company lost contact with the helicopter – register number 5NBQG – at around 11:22 am after it departed from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development earlier announced that three people had died in the crash. NNPC confirmed that eight people were on board the helicopter, including six passengers and two crew members.
“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,” NNPC said.
“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.”
NNPC reassured that the situation was being closely monitored and that it would continue to provide updates as they unfold.
“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.”