No fewer than three corpses have been recovered in a helicopter crash engaged by Nigeria’s state-run oil company, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) while efforts are in top gears to recover rescue five others involved in the mishap.
A statement endorsed by Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Ltd, the Olufemi Soneye, explained that the ill-fated helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, took off from Nigeria Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt headed to Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) NUIMS ANTAN, but suddenly disappeared from the radar.
“On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, 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.
“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.
“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,” Soneye said in the short statement.
