The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the tragic loss of eight lives following an unfortunate incident where an Eastwind Aviation helicopter crashed into the Bonny River in Rivers State. This devastating event has raised concerns and prompted urgent responses from various authorities as they seek to address the aftermath of the crash.
According to reports, the helicopter, carrying six passengers and two crew members, [/b]was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the FPSO Nuim Antan offshore platform, located near Calabar, when it tragically went down. The Rivers State Police Command has indicated that all individuals on board are feared dead, compounding the sorrow felt across the region as families grapple with the loss of their loved ones.
Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko provided additional context regarding the incident, noting that it was reported by Ifeanyi Udogwu, an employee of Antan Producing Limited. This connection to the oil industry underscores the potential impact of the crash on the local economy and community, particularly given the nature of the work involved in the oil sector.
The helicopter, identified by its call sign 5N-BQG (S76C+), departed from the NAF Base in Port Harcourt at approximately 11 a.m. before crashing near the Mimbo platform and FPSO of Antan Producing Limited. This detail highlights the challenges faced by aviation operations in the region and the critical importance of safety measures for both crew and passengers.
In response to the crash, the Rivers State Police Marine Division is actively coordinating with various agencies to recover the wreckage and locate all occupants. The ongoing efforts to retrieve the aircraft and search for survivors reflect the urgency and seriousness of the situation, with multiple agencies pooling resources to address the tragedy effectively.
In her statement, Iringe-Koko expressed the Command’s deep condolences to the families of the victims, underscoring the emotional toll such incidents take on the community. The heartfelt sympathies extended by law enforcement officials are vital in providing some comfort to those mourning their loss during this challenging time.
The Ministry of Aviation has also confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Odutayo Oluseyi revealing that three bodies have been recovered so far. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams working diligently to locate the remaining passengers. Initial reports indicate that the oil workers aboard the helicopter were contract staff for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), further highlighting the human impact of this tragic event on the industry.
According to the ministry, the helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5N-BQG, was making its way to the Nuimantan Oil Rig when it ditched near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. Notably, no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received from the helicopter, prompting the launch of manual tracking efforts to locate the aircraft and its occupants.
Multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, have deployed resources to assist in the operation, with military support and low-flying aircraft aiding in the search and recovery efforts. This collaboration among agencies is crucial for maximizing efficiency in rescue operations and ensuring a thorough investigation into the crash.
The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has officially opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. In a statement, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, explained that the helicopter was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and did not transmit an ELT signal, which necessitated a manual location search for the aircraft and its occupants.
Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. extended his condolences to the affected families, emphasizing the NSIB’s commitment to determining the cause of the accident. He urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation progresses, reinforcing the importance of an accurate and thorough inquiry into this tragic incident.