Rivers State, Nigeria – A tragic helicopter crash has claimed the lives of three people after a Sikorsky SK76 aircraft operated by East Wind Aviation crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on Thursday morning. The helicopter was transporting personnel from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when the accident occurred.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident, revealing that the helicopter had eight individuals on board. The crash took place at approximately 11:22 a.m., with rescue operations currently underway.
“The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean,” Keyamo said in a statement. “So far, three bodies have been recovered, and search and rescue efforts continue.”
Keyamo emphasized that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau had been notified, and emergency response teams were quickly activated. The Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, National Safety Investigation Bureau, and other relevant agencies are coordinating efforts to locate and assist any possible survivors. Nearby aerodromes have also been alerted to provide assistance.
Despite the absence of an Emergency Locator Transmitter signal from the helicopter, manual search efforts are being deployed. Low-flying aircraft and military personnel have been engaged to help in identifying the crash location.
In his statement, Keyamo extended condolences to the victims’ families, saying, “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.”
This incident marks a somber moment for the Nigerian aviation sector, with investigations expected to reveal the cause of the crash. Further updates on the search for survivors and the ongoing recovery mission are awaited.
