2 hours ago
8
…Eight Persons On Board Killed As NSIB Investigates Incident
ABUJA – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Limited) has reported that it lost contact with the helicopter, with registration number, 5NBQG, which took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO –NUIMS ANTAN on October 24, 2024, about 11:22a.m.
In a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the company stated that there were eight persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members) in the helicopter which it engaged, adding that the appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of
Aviation, that have since issued a statement.
NNPC Limited also assured that search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three bodies have been recovered, and that regular updates shall be provided as the events unfold.
“We lost contact with the Helicopter –Registration Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO –NUIMS ANTAN.
“Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three 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 will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the statement reads in part.
In the past decade, the NNPCL has experienced several helicopter accidents.
The most recent incident occurred on October 24, 2024, when a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crashed in Port Harcourt, resulting in at least three fatalities among the eight people onboard.
Previous accidents have highlighted ongoing safety concerns in the aviation sector, particularly regarding maintenance and operational practice.
Overall, helicopter operations in Nigeria remain high-risk, necessitating improved safety measures and oversight.
Eight Persons On Board Killed As NSIB Investigates Incident
Eight persons were feared dead in the Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt, following a helicopter crash on Thursday.
This is as the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said that it has dispatched its investigators to the scene of the accident to investigate the immediate and remote causes.
As at the time of filing this report, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development said that three of the persons onboard had been recovered while searches were ongoing to “rescue” the other five souls onboard.
Also, it was gathered that six of the eight persons onboard were passengers, while the other two were crew of the helicopter company.
A statement by Mr. Oluseyi Odutayo, Head Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that the crashed helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with the registration number: 5NBQG, was operated by East Wind Aviation.
The statement hinted that the helicopter was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig before the unfortunate accident.
The statement emphasised that the accident occurred about 11:22a.m along the waterways in Port Harcourt. The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the statement, the NSIB had been notified of the accident, while emergency response teams were immediately activated.
It also stated that search and rescue operations were ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), NSIB, and other relevant agencies, maintaining that neighbouring aerodromes had also been notified for support.
The statement added: “While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway, and all available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimise casualties from this unfortunate incident. Further information will be provided as details emerge.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time.”
Besides, NSIB in a statement by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, said that the bureau had launched an investigation into the crash.
Oladeji explained that the helicopter, carrying eight individuals – six passengers and two crew members – went down into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar, during a routine flight on Thursday.
The statement said the helicopter lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52a.m, while operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
The statement added that the helicopter did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, prompting authorities to manually plot the accident’s location to expedite search and rescue efforts.
The statement also quoted Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., the Director-General of NSIB, as reiterating his commitment towards uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident.
He assured that the bureau would work diligently to ensure that all necessary information was collected and urged the public to avoid speculation during this period, maintaining that its focus was on providing clarity and accountability through its investigation.
“The NSIB is actively preparing to dispatch a go-team to the scene to gather evidence and conduct a comprehensive analysis. A preliminary report will be issued in due course to provide updates on the investigation’s progress.
“We remain dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability through our independent accident investigation process, ultimately enhancing transportation safety in Nigeria,” he added.
