Rivers Airforce Helicopter Crash: Military, NEMA Comb Rivers for Survivors

Missing Passengers Sought After Helicopter Crash

“Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time...”

Rivers Helicopter Crash: Joint rescue efforts by Military, NEMA underway to locate missing passengers.

A tragic incident occurred on Thursday, October 24, when a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by East Wind Aviation plummeted into the Atlantic Ocean near Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The devastating crash resulted in the loss of three lives.

Swift response ensued as the military, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and emergency locators promptly initiated search operations to locate the passengers of the ill-fated helicopter. Their efforts aimed to rescue potential survivors.

The helicopter, carrying workers of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), tragically ditched into the ocean. Unfortunately, no survivors have been reported yet, leaving the fate of the passengers uncertain.

On October 24, a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by East Wind Aviation crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Port Harcourt, killing three. The military, NEMA, and emergency responders swiftly launched search operations for the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) workers on board. Unfortunately, no survivors have been found.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the tragic helicopter accident through a statement released by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Relations. The incident occurred on Thursday at 11:22 am along the waterways near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, while the helicopter was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.

The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 operated by East Wind Aviation, had eight people on board - six Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) staffers and two crew members. Unfortunately, the aircraft ditched into the waters, resulting in the loss of lives.

Minister Keyamo expressed deep pain and extended his prayers to the families of the deceased. The Ministry is actively working with relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and minimize casualties from this unfortunate incident. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and National Safety Investigation Bureau. So far, three bodies have been recovered.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time.

“While no Emergency Locator Transmitter signal was received, manual efforts to determine the accident location are underway.

“All available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivors. So far, three bodies have been recovered,” the statement read.

The helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation, was carrying eight individuals - six passengers and two crew members. Unfortunately, three lives were lost in this incident.

According to Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the helicopter lost contact with controllers around 10:52 am, prompting authorities to manually plot the accident's location to expedite search and rescue efforts. This sudden loss of contact led to a swift response from emergency services.

The NSIB is currently investigating the incident, and more information will be released as the investigation unfolds. The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Space Development has also confirmed the incident, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of air travel in Nigeria.

The statement reads, “The aircraft was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the Anton Offshore Facility when it lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52 am.

“Operating under Visual Flight Rules, the helicopter did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter signal, prompting authorities to manually plot the accident's location to expedite search and rescue efforts.

“Search and rescue operations were activated immediately, with the NSIB collaborating closely with the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other relevant agencies.

“Emergency response teams are actively working to locate survivors, with three bodies recovered so far. The search continues with support from neighbouring aerodromes, military units, and low-flying aircraft.”

Captain Alex Badeh, Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the tragic helicopter crash that claimed three lives. “My heart goes out to the families of the deceased,” he said. “We share in their grief and pray for strength during this difficult time.”

Captain Badeh assured that the NSIB is working diligently to investigate the incident, determine its cause, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. “We will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the facts surrounding this tragic event,” he pledged.

The NSIB's investigation will focus on gathering evidence, analyzing data, and reviewing procedures to identify potential safety improvements. Captain Badeh urged the public to await the outcome of the investigation, promising transparency and timely updates.

Badeh stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic incident. We are fully committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident. We will work diligently to ensure that all necessary information is collected.

“The public must avoid speculation during this sensitive time, as our focus is on providing clarity and accountability through our investigation.”

 The NSIB's investigation will take a significant step forward with the deployment of a Go-Team to the crash site, focused on evidence collection and in-depth analysis.

“A preliminary report will be issued in due course to provide updates on the investigation's progress.

“We remain dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability through our independent accident investigation process, ultimately enhancing transportation safety in Nigeria,” the NSIB said.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has issued a statement regarding the tragic helicopter crash, signed by its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye. In the statement, NNPCL confirmed that relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Aviation, have been notified and engaged.

NNPCL expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, offering prayers and support during this difficult time. The company pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available, ensuring transparency throughout the investigation and response.

The statement read, “On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22 am, we lost contact with the Helicopter, Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt Nigerian Air Force NAF Base en route to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.

“There were eight persons on board (six passengers and two crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement.

“Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time. We will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.”

Nigeria's aviation history has been marred by a series of devastating air crashes involving passenger planes. One of the earliest recorded incidents was the 1956 Kano crash of BOAC Argonaut, which set a tragic precedent for subsequent disasters.

These crashes have resulted in varying degrees of severity, ranging from total loss of life to miraculous survival stories. Some incidents have left an indelible mark on the nation's collective memory.

The most recent air crash in Nigeria occurred in 2021, involving a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft King Air aircraft. The ill-fated flight was en route from Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport to Kaduna International Airport when it tragically crashed.