A tragic incident unfolded yesterday when an Eastwind Aviation helicopter crashed into the Bonny River in Rivers State, claiming the lives of all eight individuals on board. The aircraft, en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the FPSO NUIM ANTAN off the coast of Calabar, was carrying six passengers and two crew members.
According to the Rivers State Police Command, the helicopter reportedly ditched into the Atlantic Ocean near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform at around 11 a.m. Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer, expressed condolences to the families affected by this devastating event.
In a statement, the police noted that Mr. Ifeanyi Udogwu, an employee of Antan Producing Limited, reported the incident.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with cooperation from various agencies, including the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). While three bodies have been recovered so far, efforts continue to locate the remaining passengers.
The NSIB has launched an investigation into the crash, confirming that the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal.
Authorities are actively working to gather information and understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., urged the public to refrain from speculation during this sensitive time, emphasizing the commitment to clarity and accountability in the investigation.
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