The Eastwind Aviation helicopter that crashed into the Bonny River in Rivers State yesterday resulted in the deaths of all eight individuals onboard, according to reports from News360 Nigeria. The helicopter, which departed from the Port Harcourt Military base, was en route to the FPSO NUIM ANTAN, located offshore near Calabar.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that all eight occupants of the helicopter, which ditched into the Atlantic Ocean, are presumed dead. Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko released a statement in Port Harcourt detailing the tragic incident that occurred around 11 a.m. yesterday.
“Mr. Ifeanyi Udogwu, a staff of Antan Producing Limited, Port Harcourt, reported to the Command that a helicopter with the call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), belonging to East Wing Aviation, departed from the NAF Base in Port Harcourt. The flight was bound for Nuim Antan OML123 fields, carrying two crew members and six passengers,” the statement noted.
Regrettably, at approximately 11 a.m., the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean near the Mimbo platform and FPSO of Antan Producing Limited. “All eight persons onboard are feared dead,” Iringe-Koko added. The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is collaborating with other agencies to recover both the aircraft and the occupants.
The Rivers State Police Command expressed their condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
The incident was also confirmed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi. According to reports, the oil workers aboard the helicopter were contract staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The Ministry’s statement revealed that three bodies had been recovered from the wreckage, with ongoing search and rescue operations aiming to locate the remaining passengers. “The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was traveling from Port Harcourt Military Base to the Nuimantan Oil Rig. The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean,” it stated.
The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified, and emergency response teams have been activated. The statement indicated that search and rescue efforts are ongoing, supported by the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the NSIB, and other relevant agencies. Neighboring aerodromes have also been alerted to provide assistance.
While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was detected, authorities are manually plotting the accident’s location to facilitate search and rescue operations. “All available resources, including military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered,” the statement emphasized.
In response to the crash, the NSIB has launched an investigation into the incident. NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, remarked, “Operating under 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.”
The NSIB has activated search and rescue operations in collaboration with NEMA, NCAA, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other agencies. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic incident. We are fully committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident,” stated Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of NSIB. He urged the public to refrain from speculation during this sensitive time, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to providing clarity and accountability through their investigation.
