NNPC Personnel Onboard Crashed Helicopter, 3 Bodies Recovered, Investigation Continues

A helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation has gone missing while en route to NNPC’s FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN from Port Harcourt NAF Base.

The helicopter, with registration number 5NBQG, lost contact at approximately 11:22 am on October 24, 2024, NNPC Ltd confirmed, on Thursday evening.

A statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye, said that there were eight people on board – six passengers and two crew members.

Authorities, including the Ministry of Aviation, have been notified, and search and rescue operations are underway. Unfortunately, three bodies have been recovered so far, Soneye said.

The statement reads: “On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.

“There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement.

“Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered.

“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 will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.”

The victims were working at OML 123 oil field when the helicopter into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Nation had reported that the oil workers were working at Mimbo platform and the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel around 11:40am before the incident occurred.

The newspaper quoted a source as saying that all the victims onboard were feared killed.

“There were six personnel and two crew members onboard the helicopter. Three bodies have been recovered so far. Search and rescues ongoing.

“The helicopter belongs to Eastwind Aviation,” the source stated.