In a statement released by the Chief Corporate Communications
Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye confirmed that at about 11:22am on Thursday,
24th October, 2024 the company lost contact with the Helicopter with
Register Number 5NBQG engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt
NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN.
According to Soneye, it was confirmed that 8 persons were on board comprises of 6 passengers and 2 crew members. The Helicopter is said to be managed and operated by East Winds Aviation.
It was also confirmed that the appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who also confirmed that 3 bodies have been recovered from the incident scenes. Also, search and rescue missions are currently ongoing.
"We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular
updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and
their respective families at this very difficult time. We assure that we will
continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue
operation." Soneye added.