NNPC confirms helicopter incident en route to FPSO NUIMS Antan
By Kunle Sanni
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has confirmed the loss of contact with a helicopter en route to its Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, NUIMS Antan.
The incident occurred on October 24, 2024, at approximately 11:22 am, when communication with the helicopter, registered as 5N-BQG and operated by East Winds Aviation, was lost shortly after taking off from the Nigerian Air Force base in Port Harcourt.
The helicopter was carrying eight people, including six passengers and two crew members.
Search and rescue operations were immediately launched, with the Ministry of Aviation and other relevant authorities notified. So far, three bodies have been recovered.
NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, assured the public that efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers and crew.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their families during this difficult time,” Soneye said in a statement on Thursday.
“We will continue to provide support for the search and rescue operations.”
He added that updates will be provided to the public as more information becomes available.
