Tinubu orders intensified rescue efforts for victims of helicopter crash

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has directed a heightened search and rescue operation for passengers of a helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Island, off the coast of Port Harcourt.

In a statement on Thursday, presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Winds Aviation, had been hired by NNPC Limited to transport contract staff to the company’s offshore facility, FPSO NUIMS Antan.

President Tinubu also called on military officers involved in regional operations to join and support the search efforts, coordinating closely with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies.

Expressing his condolences to the Board and staff of NNPC and to the families of the deceased, Tinubu offered prayers for the three individuals confirmed dead in the crash, hoping for comfort for their families and eternal rest for the departed.