Three bodies recovered after helicopter crashes off Port Harcourt coast

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Ministry of Aviation has confirmed that a helicopter operated by East Wind Aviation crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt, on October 24, 2024.

The Sikorsky SK76 aircraft, with eight people on board, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it ditched into the waters around 11:22 am.

In a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Aviation, Minister Festus Keyamo assured the public that all efforts are being made to locate survivors.

According to the statement, emergency response teams, including the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), were immediately mobilized.

“While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway. All available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivors. So far, three bodies have been recovered,” the statement said.

The Ministry also assured the public that updates will be provided as more details emerge, expressing thoughts and prayers for the families of those involved in the incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time.”