In a devastating incident yesterday, an Eastwind Aviation helicopter crashed into Bonny River in Rivers State, resulting in the tragic deaths of all eight occupants on board.
The helicopter, identified by its call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), was traveling from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the FPSO NUIM ANTAN, offshore Calabar, when it reportedly ditched into the Atlantic Ocean around 11 a.m.
According to a statement from the Rivers State Police Command, the helicopter was carrying six passengers and two crew members at the time of the accident.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer, expressed her condolences to the families affected by this tragic event. “The Rivers State Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident that occurred today,” she stated.
The flight was reported to be transporting contract staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to the Nuimantan Oil Rig.
As the helicopter approached the Mimbo platform near Antan Producing Limited, it suddenly went down, leading to immediate search and rescue operations.
So far, three bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining five occupants.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Odutayo Oluseyi stating that emergency response teams were promptly activated.
The Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) are all involved in the recovery efforts.
Despite the activation of these emergency protocols, the helicopter did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, complicating rescue operations.
Authorities are currently using manual plotting methods to identify the location of the crash site, aided by low-flying aircraft and military resources.
The NSIB has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, emphasized the collaborative efforts between multiple agencies to uncover the cause of the crash.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic incident,” she said, assuring the public of their commitment to providing clarity and accountability as the investigation unfolds.
The tragic crash underscores ongoing concerns about aviation safety in Nigeria, particularly in the oil and gas sector, where helicopter transport is frequently used to ferry workers to offshore rigs.
As the search and rescue operations continue, the Rivers State Police Command and various agencies are focused on providing support to the families of the deceased and ensuring that all necessary information is gathered to prevent future accidents.
In the wake of this tragedy, the aviation community and the general public are urged to refrain from speculation while investigations are ongoing.
The incident highlights the need for stringent safety measures and protocols in the aviation industry, particularly for flights servicing critical sectors like oil and gas.
