The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd has confirmed a helicopter crash in the Atlantic Ocean on October 24, 2024, at around 11:22 a.m.
The helicopter, en route to the NUIMS-ANTAN Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, had departed from the Port Harcourt Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base.
In a statement from Olufemi O. Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC, he said:
“We lost contact with the helicopter—Registration Number 5NBQG—engaged by NNPC Ltd. The aircraft was operated by East Winds Aviation, with 8 people on board, consisting of 6 passengers and 2 crew members.”
Soneye further noted that relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Aviation, have been informed. A press statement has already been released, and search and rescue operations are actively underway.
“Thus far, three bodies have been recovered. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide regular updates as new information becomes available. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their families during this extremely difficult time. We remain committed to supporting the ongoing search and rescue efforts,” Soneye added.
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