A helicopter operated by East Wind Aviation crashed Thursday into the waters near Bonny Finima Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Eight persons were on board and three have been confirmed dead.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG was enroute from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement, said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified.
He added that 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.
According to the statement signed by the ministry’s spokesman, Odutayo Oluseyi, resources have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing survivors.
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.
“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.”
