The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has confirmed a tragic helicopter crash that took place on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
The incident involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5NBQG, which was operated by East Wind Aviation. The aircraft went down into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean around 11:22 AM.
According to a statement from the Ministry, signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Odutayo Oluseyi, the helicopter was traveling from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig with eight individuals on board.
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified, and emergency response teams were activated immediately,” the statement noted. The Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, confirmed that search and rescue operations are currently in progress.
“The Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies are actively involved,” he added.
Although there has been no signal from the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), efforts are being made to locate the crash site manually. “All available resources, including military assets and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in the search and rescue efforts,” the Minister explained.
As of now, three bodies have been recovered, and search operations for any potential survivors continue. The Ministry has also alerted nearby aerodromes to provide additional support for the ongoing rescue mission.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation is coordinating with all relevant agencies to ensure a cohesive response and minimize casualties from this unfortunate incident,” the statement read.
Keyamo expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those on board, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected, and we are dedicated to offering the necessary support during this challenging time.”
The Ministry’s statement reiterates, “The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident today, October 24, 2024, around 11:22 AM along the waterways in Port Harcourt. The Sikorsky SK76, registered as 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 individuals on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima. Emergency response teams are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, supported by the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the NCAA, NSIB, and other agencies. Neighboring aerodromes have also been notified to assist in this operation.”
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