The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has confirmed that some of its employees were aboard the helicopter that crashed on Thursday morning.
Reports indicate that the Sikorsky SK76, registered as 5NBQG, was operated by East Wind Aviation. The aircraft had departed from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) and was bound for the NUIMANTAN oil rig before it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima.
In a statement, NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye confirmed the helicopter was chartered by the company but did not disclose the identities of the NNPC personnel on board.
He stated, “On the 24th of October 2024, at about 11:22 am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.”
According to Soneye, “There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement. Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered.”
He added, “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.”
