Tragically, a helicopter carrying employees of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) crashed Thursday, crashing into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, close to Bonny Finima.
In the incident, East Winds Aviation’s Sikorsky SK76 helicopter was on its way to the FPSO-NUIMS Antan oil rig after taking off from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM).
NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye gave information about the crash, which happened in the waterways close to Port Harcourt at 11:22 a.m., and confirmed that NNPC Limited had chartered the helicopter.
Rescue efforts are presently in progress after emergency services responded quickly.
Eight people were confirmed to be on board at the time of the accident, according to Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development spokesperson Odutayo Oluseyi.
The plane was ditched into the Atlantic Ocean waters close to Bonny Finima, the authorities said in a statement, and rescue efforts had been initiated.
NNPCL said, “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.”
Published by Ejoh Caleb
