By THE Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) says the ill-fated helicopter which plunged into the Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, had its personnel onboard.
NNPCL spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, made the disclosure in a statement without identifying the personnel involved in the crash.
He said that the helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, was engaged by NNPCL.
The statement reads in part: “On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22 am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.
“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.”
Stonix News had earlier reported that three bodies had been recovered while efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining five persons onboard the ill-fated chopper.
The accident reportedly occurred at approximately 11:22 a.m on Thursday along the waterways near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, while the helicopter was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.
Some of the victims
What's your reaction?
