The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the helicopter crash in Bonny Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday.
Spokesperson of the command, Grace Koko in a statement said the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform and FPSO, and that all eight persons onboard are feared dead.
The statement read,
SEA DISASTER: HELICOPTER CRASH NEAR MIMBO AND FPSO, EIGHT FEARED DEAD
The Rivers State Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at approximately 11 am.
Mr Ifeanyi Udogwu, a staff of Antan Producing Limited, Port Harcourt, reported to the Command that a helicopter with the call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), belonging to East Wing Aviation, departed from the NAF Base in Port Harcourt. The flight was bound for Nuim Antan OML123 fields, carrying two crew members and six passengers.
Unfortunately, at about 11 am, the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform and FPSO. All eight persons onboard are feared dead.
The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is cooperating with other agencies to recover the aircraft and the occupants.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN confirmed the incident in a Press release.
The Rivers State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims during this tragic time.
