The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has commiserated families of victims of helicopter Sikorsky SK76 registration 5NBQG that ditched into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Odutayo Oluseyi, Head Press and Public Relations , Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, Oct. 24, 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
“The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.
“The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, ” he said.
He said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations were ongoing.
According to him, the ongoing operations are with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), NSIB and other relevant agencies.
He added that the neighbouring aerodromes had also been notified for support.
“While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway.
“ All available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimize casualties from this unfortunate incident. Further information will be provided as details emerge.
“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,“ he said