Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has confirmed that its personnel were in the helicopter that crashed earlier on Thursday morning.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Sikorsky SK76 with registration number 5NBQG was operated by East Wind Aviation and was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to NUIMANTAN oil rig when it crashed into Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima.
Spokesman of NNPC, Olufemi Soneye in a statement released, confirmed that the helicopter had been engaged by the company.
Soneys however, didn’t disclose the identity of the NNPC personnel that were present in the crashed helicopter.
He said, “On the 24th of October 2024, at about 11:22 am, 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.”
