No fewer than three people have lost their lives and five others remain missing after a tragic helicopter accident that occurred today at approximately 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development confirmed the incident in a statement that the aircraft had eight individuals on board at the time of the incident.
The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was traveling from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it ditched into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima.
According to a statement, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been alerted, and emergency response teams have been deployed to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations.
These efforts are being supported by the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), along with other relevant agencies.
Despite the absence of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, teams are manually plotting the location of the crash and utilizing military resources and low-flying aircraft to aid in the search for survivors. Nearby aerodromes have also been notified to provide assistance.
The Minister is coordinating with all involved agencies to ensure an effective response to this unfortunate incident and to minimize further casualties. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
He prayed for the families of the deceased, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected, and we remain committed to offering support during this difficult time.”
