PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed an intensification of search and rescue for passengers of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic near Bonny Finima on Thursday in Port-Harcourt.
The helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation and registered as 5NBQG, was hired by NNPC Limited to ferry some contract staff to the NNPCL facility FPSO—NUIMS ANTAN.
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Three persons were confirmed dead in the crash.
The accident occurred at 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt when the helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, took off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
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A total of eight persons were confirmed on board, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi.
The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, the authorities said in a statement, adding that rescue efforts have been activated.
However, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged military officers involved in various operations in the zone to join the rescue mission, and provide all necessary support to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies.
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The president also condoled the Board and staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the families of all those who were confirmed to have passed away in the accident.
He fervently prays that the Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the three departed souls and comfort their families.
