Crashed helicopter was engaged by NNPCL: Official

A helicopter engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) crashed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while en route to an oil rig.

NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye confirmed that the ill-fated aircraft, a Sikorsky SK76 operated by East Winds Aviation, went down around 11:22 a.m. in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima.

The helicopter, registered as 5NBQG, took off from the Port Harcourt Military Base heading to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig. There were eight persons on board, according to Odutayo Oluseyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Rescue efforts are currently underway to recover the victims from the crash site. The cause of the accident remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation.

“We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time.

“We assure that we will continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the NNPCL said.