The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has said the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, had its personnel on board.
According to a statement signed by NNPCL spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, the company contracted the ill-fated helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation.
The crashed helicopter is a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG, had a total of eight persons on board.
Reports say the helicopter which took off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig crashed at 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
Aviation authorities say the aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. Presently, rescue efforts have been activated to recover the bodies of passengers.
“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 assure that we will continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the NNPCL said.
According to reports by officials of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, five persons have been recovered from an oil and gas shuttle service helicopter that crashed off the coast of Port Harcourt, Rivers state on Thursday morning.
NSIB investigates
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has commenced an investigation into the accident which it said lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52 a.m. operating under a Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
The helicopter did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, prompting authorities to manually plot the accident’s location to expedite search and rescue efforts, it said.
Head Press and Public Relations, Odutayo Oluseyi, disclosed that “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 Hon Minister of Aviation 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.”
Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., on his part stated that, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic incident. We are fully committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident. We will work diligently to ensure that all necessary information is collected. The public must avoid speculation during this sensitive time, as our focus is on providing clarity and accountability through our investigation.”
… NAAPE mourns VP Dukas
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) said it received with great sadness the news of the helicopter crash off the shore of Port Harcourt on Thursday.
It said in an electronic statement that, “More saddening is that the Captain on board the ill fated machine, Yakubu Dukas is a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years flying experience and until this unfortunate accident, was the Vice President of our great union.”
It said “We have always maintained that the operating conditions in the aviation industry must always be optimal for all professionals for the safety of all knowing that there is no parking space up there.”
“We also call on all relevant agencies to ensure no stone is left unturned in unearthing the immediate and remote causes of this tragic occurrence and all the measures required to be put in place to forestall any further occurrence,” added NAAPE national president, Abednigo Galadima.
