A tragic helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, October 24, 2024, has claimed the lives of three individuals. The helicopter, which was operating a shuttle service for the oil and gas sector, crashed off the coast of the city at approximately 11:12 a.m.
The ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, with registration number 5NBQG, was operated by East Wind Aviation. It had departed from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) and was en route to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it went missing.
According to a statement by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the helicopter had eight people on board when it crashed into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified, and search and rescue operations were immediately launched with the help of various agencies, including the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the NSIB. Neighboring aerodromes were also alerted to offer support.
Despite the lack of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, efforts are ongoing to locate the crash site manually. Military units and low-flying aircraft have been deployed to assist in the search. So far, three bodies have been recovered.
The Minister of Aviation is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response to the incident. In a statement, the Ministry expressed its commitment to minimizing casualties and providing updates as more details emerge. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to offering them the necessary support during this difficult time," the statement concluded.
No comments:
Post a Comment