The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has verified that a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by East Wind Aviation was involved in a crash.
According to report, the accident took place at approximately 11:22 a.m. on Thursday, when a helicopter which had 8 people on board, was conveying them from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig suffered a catastrophic accident, crashing into the Atlantic Ocean’s waters near Bonny Finima.
Keyamo revealed this in a statement issued on Thursday via his X account, expressing profound concern over the incident.
“The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.”
He further said , “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified, and emergency response teams were immediately activated. 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. 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,” he added.
Keyamo extended his deepest sympathies, condolences and prayers to the bereaved families of the aircraft crash victims .
“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.”
Eniola Jolaoso