Three Dead As Helicopter Crashes In Port Harcourt

Three people have been confirmed dead following a helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The incident occurred around 11:12 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, when a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, with registration number 5NBQG, crashed while on an oil and gas shuttle service.

The helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation, was flying from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it lost contact and went down off the coast of the city.

The Head Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi confirm the development in a statement issued on Thursday.

Oluseyi said the chopper had eight people on board when it crashed into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau was notified, and search and rescue operations were quickly launched, involving the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the National Safety Investigation Bureau, and other relevant agencies.

The statement also noted that no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, but manual efforts to locate the crash are ongoing.

Military support, including low-flying aircraft, has been deployed to help find survivors. So far, three bodies have been recovered.

The Minister of Aviation is working closely with all involved agencies to ensure a coordinated response and reduce casualties. Further updates will be provided as more details become available.

“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.”” the statement concluded.

KanyiDaily had also reported how a plane carrying 58 passengers and four crew members has crashed in Brazil.