The Rivers State Police Command has announced that it is likely all eight passengers aboard the helicopter that crashed into the sea in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have died. This update follows initial reports confirming three fatalities in the Thursday accident.
Details of the Crash
The accident occurred along Port Harcourt’s waterways at approximately 11:22 a.m. on Thursday. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration number 5NBQG, was operated by East Wind Aviation and departed from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig. According to Odutayo Oluseyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, there were eight confirmed individuals on board.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Authorities reported that the aircraft went down near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. Emergency response teams were immediately activated to begin search and rescue operations in hopes of locating any survivors.
Police Update on Fatalities
In an updated statement, the Rivers State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, shared that it is feared all passengers on board may have perished in the crash. This grim update underscores the severity of the incident and the challenges facing rescue teams.
President Tinubu Orders Intensified Search Efforts
Following the crash, President Bola Tinubu ordered an intensified search for the missing passengers. He has directed the military to join rescue efforts, reinforcing the commitment to locate the passengers involved in this tragic incident.
This incident has sparked concern and grief across the nation as efforts continue to recover the victims and determine the cause of the crash.
