Port Harcourt, Nigeria – A helicopter en route to an offshore oil production facility crashed on Thursday, killing three of the eight people on board, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). The helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, was on its way to the FPSO Antan oil production site when it lost contact.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement. The helicopter, identified by its registration number 5NBQG, took off from the Nigerian Air Force Base in Port Harcourt around 11:22 a.m. on Thursday. It was carrying six passengers and two crew members at the time of the crash.
“We regret to confirm that search and rescue operations are currently ongoing,” Soneye said, revealing that three bodies have been recovered from the crash site. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and crew during this incredibly difficult time.”
The exact cause of the crash remains unclear. Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation noted that no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was detected from the downed helicopter, complicating rescue efforts. Despite this, manual attempts to pinpoint the crash location are underway, with military and low-flying aircraft joining the search.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other key aviation bodies were quickly alerted, and emergency teams were activated shortly after the helicopter lost contact. In a joint effort, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit are spearheading operations to find any possible survivors.
“The investigation into the cause of the crash is in its early stages, but we are doing everything within our power to locate and assist any survivors,” added the Ministry of Aviation’s spokesperson, Odutayo Oluseyi.
As search efforts continue, NNPC Ltd reassured the public that updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The company remains fully committed to supporting the ongoing rescue mission and the families of those affected by the disaster.
