The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has revealed that three bodies have been recovered from the helicopter accident in Port Harcourt.
In a statement signed by the head of press and public relations of the ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi it was disclosed that the aircraft, with eight persons on board, crashed into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
The statement read as follows:
“The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.
The aircraft, with eight persons on board, crashed into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified, and emergency response teams were immediately activated. Search and rescue operations are ongoing with support from the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other relevant agencies. Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified to provide assistance.
While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to determine the location of the accident are underway. All available resources, including military personnel and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivors. So far, three bodies have been recovered.
The Minister of Aviation 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 more 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.”
