A helicopter crash in the Gulf of Guinea has left five people missing, with three bodies recovered so far.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) in a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye said the rotocraft, registered as 5N-BQG, was engaged by the oil company and operated by East Winds Aviation and had six passengers and two crew members on board
According to the statement the helicopter lost contact around 11:22 am on October 24, 2024, shortly after taking off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route to the FPSO facility– NUIMS ANTAN.
The statement reads: “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 will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.”
The search and rescue operation is still underway, with efforts focused on locating the remaining five missing individuals.
This incident raises concerns about aviation safety in Nigeria, particularly as regards helicopter and an investigation is likely to follow.
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