By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
A HELICOPTER crash off the coast of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has led to the feared deaths of all eight passengers on board.
The Sikorsky SK76, with registration 5NBQG, operated by East Winds Aviation, departed the Nigerian Air Force Base (NAF) en route to the FPSO NUIMS ANTAN oil rig on Thursday morning.
The flight was confirmed to carry six passengers and two crew members.
According to Rivers State Police Command, the helicopter reportedly plunged into the Atlantic near Bonny Finima at approximately 11:22am.
Local sources say only three bodies have so far been recovered, with ongoing efforts to locate the remaining occupants.
The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, shared the grim update, indicating that chances of survival for the remaining passengers appear bleak.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, which chartered the helicopter, confirmed the incident.
NNPC spokesperson Oluwafemi Soneye explained the helicopter’s last communication was shortly after takeoff, after which it lost all contact.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, represented by Festus Keyamo SAN, confirmed the accident and expressed deep regret.
Meanwhile, search operations continue in collaboration with the Marine Division of the Rivers Police and rescue agencies.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered intensified search efforts, instructing the military to assist in recovery.
The President and Rivers State Police extended condolences to the families of the victims and pledged continued updates as the search progresses.
