The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that all eight passengers aboard a helicopter that crashed in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Island, Rivers State, are feared dead.
While rescue efforts were initiated, an update from the Rivers State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Thursday, indicated that all passengers may have perished in the tragic incident.
Earlier reports had confirmed three fatalities from the crash, which occurred around 11:22 a.m. on Thursday, when the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, went down. The aircraft had taken off from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) and was en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi, had also confirmed that eight persons were on board. The helicopter reportedly ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
This comes after President Bola Tinubu ordered an intensified search effort, directing the military to assist in locating the victims.
The police, in collaboration with other agencies, are continuing recovery operations for both the aircraft and its occupants. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, also confirmed the crash in an official statement.
The Rivers State Police Command extended their deepest condolences to the families of the victims during this time of mourning.
