Mohammed Shosanya
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed dead eight persons on board of Thursday’s helicopter crash in the state.
The Ill-fated helicopter left Nigerian Air Force Base in Port Harcourt, traveling to Nuim Antan OML123 fields with two crew members and six passengers when it reportedly ditched into the ocean near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform and Floating Production and Offloading (FPSO).
Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko,who confirmed this in a statement revealed that the crashed helicopter belongs to East Wing Aviation.
She added that the Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command in collaboration with other agencies are making concerted efforts to recover the aircraft and the occupants.
The Police also extended its condolences to the families of the victims following the tragic incident.
She added:“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.”
