According to the Rivers State Police Command, all eight passengers inside the helicopter crash that occurred in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday, October 24, may have lost their lives.
Recall that three persons were initially confirmed dead in the sad incident that occurred at 11:22 am, along the waterways in Port Harcourt when the helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, took off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
The aircraft reportedly ditched into the water near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
In a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko noted that all the passengers may have lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The statement noted in parts;
‘’SEA DISASTER: HELICOPTER CRASH NEAR MIMBO AND FPSO, EIGHT FEARED DEAD.
The Rivers State Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at approximately 11 am.
A staff of Antan Producing Limited, Port Harcourt, Mr Ifeanyi Udogwu, reported to the Command that a helicopter with the call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), belonging to East Wing Aviation, departed from the NAF Base in Port Harcourt.
The flight was bound for Nuim Antan OML123 fields, carrying two crew members and six passengers.
Unfortunately, at about 11 am, the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform and FPSO. All eight persons onboard are feared dead.
The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is cooperating with other agencies to recover the aircraft and the occupants.
The Rivers State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims during this tragic time.”
