NNPC confirms crashed helicopter had personnel onboard

A helicopter transporting personnel from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) tragically crashed on Thursday, plunging into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The incident involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, which had departed from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) and was headed to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.

NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye confirmed that the helicopter had been chartered by NNPC Limited and provided details of the crash, which occurred at 11:22 a.m. in the waterways near Port Harcourt.

Emergency services responded promptly, and rescue operations are currently underway.

Odutayo Oluseyi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, reported that eight individuals were confirmed on board at the time of the accident.

The authorities said in a statement that rescue efforts had been activated and that the aircraft was ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.

NNPCL said, “We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time.

“We assure that we will continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.”