The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has confirmed that only three bodies have been recovered following the helicopter crash on Thursday, dismissing reports suggesting the discovery of additional victims.
In a statement released on Sunday, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, addressed discrepancies in reports concerning the incident.
“Beyond the three bodies found in the ill-fated helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation that crashed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, no other bodies have been recovered,” Soneye stated.
Contrary to claims that two more bodies were discovered on Friday, Soneye clarified, “The NNPC Ltd wishes to announce that, beyond the three bodies found…no other bodies have been recovered.”
He assured that search and rescue efforts remain ongoing as authorities work to locate the remaining passengers.
The helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation and bearing Registration Number 5NBQG, reportedly departed from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route to the FPSO – NUIMS Antan, carrying six NNPC officials and two crew members. Those aboard included NNPC employees Tamunoemi Suku, Alu Lawrence, Etim Emmanuel, Kenneth Chikwem, Frank Oriamre, and Borris Ndorbo. The pilot has been identified as Captain Yakubu Dukas, while the identity of the eighth individual remains unconfirmed.
Soneye expressed solidarity with those affected by the tragedy, stating, “Our hearts and prayers are with the families affected by this unfortunate incident.”
Despite efforts by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and other agencies, neither additional bodies nor the helicopter’s debris has yet been found.
