A helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation crashed into the Bonny River in Rivers State on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of all eight occupants. The aircraft was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the FPSO NUIM ANTAN oil rig when it went down around 11 a.m.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that six passengers and two crew members were aboard the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5N-BQG.
Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko stated, “The Rivers State Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident that occurred today.” She detailed that the helicopter ditched into the Atlantic Ocean near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with three bodies recovered thus far. The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the crash, which reportedly did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter signal during its flight.
NSIB Director, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., emphasized the agency's commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development also confirmed the incident, noting that emergency response teams are collaborating with various agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the National Emergency Management Agency.
Efforts to locate additional victims are ongoing, with military and low-flying aircraft deployed to assist in search operations.
