Updated: Rivers Helicopter Crash - 3 Air Force Personnel Killed

Tragic Helicopter Crash in Rivers Kills 3

“Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for assistance...”

Rivers witnesses devastating helicopter crash, claiming 3 Air Force lives.

Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed a helicopter crash involving an East Wind Aviation Sikorsky SK76. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 24, at 11:22 am, along the Bonny Finima waterways in the Atlantic Ocean.

The helicopter was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig with eight people on board. 

Keyamo expressed deep concern in a statement, saying, “The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.”

“Search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the National Safety Investigation Bureau, and other relevant agencies.

“Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for assistance.

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

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is now on the case, and emergency responders are jumping into action. In other words, the authorities have been informed and rescue teams are swiftly responding to the situation. This means that investigators will soon begin looking into the cause of the incident, and help is on the way for those affected.

“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,” Keyamo said.

Keyamo expressed deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those aboard the ill-fated flight.

“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.”