The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Thursday issued an official statement on Thursday’s fatal helicopter accident that took place along the Port Harcourt waterways with three already confirmed dead and various emergency search teams still looking for the other crew members.
According to the report, the helicopter with registration 5NBQG and eight persons on board, had ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. Also, all the Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified and emergency response teams have all been activated with different search and rescue operations ongoing with security agencies all working together in search of the lost bodies and probable casualties.
Full Statement:
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, ditched 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, and search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of 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 for support.
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 is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimize 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.
Signed, Odutayo Oluseyi Head Press and Public Relations
Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Federal Republic of Nigeria