CITIZENS COMPASS – No fewer than three bodies were on Thursday, recovered, when a helicopter conveying with eight people onboard crashed.
The crash occurred at about 11:22am, when the helicopter was on heading for an offshore oil production facility.
The incident occurred when the helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, lost contact in the course of the journey.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications NNPC Ltd, confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to the Communications Manager, eight people including six passengers and two crew members, were onboard of the helicopter when the incident occurred.
“NNPC Ltd Reports Helicopter Incident En-Route NUIMS-ANTAN FPSO
“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 will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and We will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.”
