A helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation crashed into the Bonny River in Rivers State yesterday, resulting in the loss of all eight occupants aboard, which included six passengers and two crew members.
The helicopter was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base to FPSO NUIM ANTAN, located offshore Calabar, when the accident occurred. According to the Rivers State Police Command, the crash happened around 11 a.m. as the aircraft ditched into the ocean near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated: “The Rivers State Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident. Mr. Ifeanyi Udogwu, a staff of Antan Producing Limited, reported that a helicopter with the call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), belonging to Eastwind Aviation, departed from the NAF Base in Port Harcourt. Unfortunately, about 11 a.m., the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean.”
She further confirmed that all eight individuals on board are feared dead and that the Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is collaborating with other agencies to recover the aircraft and the occupants. The command extended its deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
The crash was also confirmed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, represented by spokesperson Odutayo Oluseyi. Reports indicate that the victims were contract staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
Rescue operations and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident and to recover the helicopter and its occupants.