The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has confirmed a helicopter crash that occurred on Thursday along the waterways of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement shared on his verified social media account, Keyamo disclosed that the crash, involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by East Wind Aviation, took place at around 11:22 am.
The aircraft, with eight individuals on board, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it plunged into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
The statement, signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Odutayo Oluseyi, noted, “The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident today, 24th October 2024. Search and rescue operations are underway, supported by the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the National Safety Investigation Bureau, and other relevant agencies.”
So far, three bodies have been recovered, and efforts to locate any survivors are ongoing. While no Emergency Locator Transmitter signal was detected, manual plotting of the crash site is being conducted, with the military and low-flying aircraft deployed for the search.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation is actively coordinating with all relevant agencies to ensure a prompt and effective response,” the statement added.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we remain committed to providing full support during this difficult time.”
