Helicopter tragedy in Port Harcourt

Tragedy has struck as a helicopter crashed near Port Harcourt, Rivers State claiming the lives of three individuals, with search and rescue operations ongoing to locate the remaining five passengers.

Odutayo Oluseyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, in a statement signed by Olufemi Soneye, its spokesman, said “On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.”

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The statement continued that “There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement.

 “Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered.”

 “We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold.

 “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.

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