By Ayomide Otitoju
A helicopter carrying personnel of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) crashed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The incident occurred at 11:22 a.m. when the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, with registration 5NBQG, operated by East Winds Aviation, took off from the Port Harcourt Military Base en route to the FPSO NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
In a statement, NNPCL spokesman Olufemi Soneye confirmed that the helicopter was engaged by the company. A total of eight people were onboard, according to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s spokesperson, Odutayo Oluseyi.
The helicopter went down in the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. Rescue operations have been activated, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
“Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and their families during this difficult time,” the NNPCL said, assuring ongoing efforts to support the search and rescue mission.
