The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have confirmed a helicopter crash that occurred today in South-South, Nigeria.
The helicopter accident that occurred today at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt ditched into waters at Bonny Finima (Atlantic Ocean). The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by Eastwind Aviation, engaged by NNPC Limited, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig. There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 Crew members) with fuel endurance of 0215. Rescue operations so far have recovered 3 bodies.
Search and Rescue coordination activities were activated in NAMA while details of the incident were escalated to the Honourable Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Bonny tower, Osubi tower and Escravos tower for further actions.
Other emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, and other relevant agencies. Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for support.
While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway, and all available resources and emergency services and organizations, including the military and low-flying aircraft, helicopters have been engaged and deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any floating objects or survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered.
Neigbouring aerodromes and adjacent airspaces have also been contacted.
More details shall be provided as they unfold.
