Three Dead as Oil Shuttle Helicopter Crashes Off Port Harcourt Coast

Tragedy struck in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as three people were confirmed dead in a devastating helicopter crash. The incident occurred off the coast of the city at approximately 11:12 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, sending shockwaves through the region.

The ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, with registration number 5NBQG, was operated by East Wind Aviation. It was on a routine oil and gas shuttle service, traveling from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it mysteriously disappeared. The chopper, which carried eight people, tragically crashed into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.

A statement released by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the incident and the casualties. The statement emphasized that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had been alerted, and search and rescue operations were immediately set in motion. Multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, and the NSIB, quickly mobilized to respond.

Despite the absence of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, efforts were manually initiated to trace the crash site. Resources, including military personnel and low-flying aircraft, were deployed to assist in locating survivors. As of the latest reports, three bodies had been recovered, heightening the sense of tragedy.

The Minister of Aviation is closely coordinating with various agencies to ensure a swift and organized response to this tragic event. Authorities remain committed to minimizing casualties and providing critical updates as more details emerge. The statement concluded by extending thoughts and prayers to the families of those involved, promising ongoing support during this difficult time.