We hired helicopter that crashed — NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on Thursday disclosed that it hired the helicopter that crashed into the river in Rivers State.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday.

Soneye said in the statement: “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 eight persons on the helicopter when it crashed.

According to Soneye, who gave a breakdown of the status of the passengers, there were six passengers and two crew members aboard the crashed chopper.

He added: “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 assure that we will continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.”