All 8 passengers in Bonny helicopter disaster feared dead —Police 

The Rivers State Police Command has stated that all eight persons in the helicopter that ditched into the Atlantic Ocean have been reportedly dead. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, in a statement in Port Harcourt Thursday, noted that the incident happened around 11am, adding that the plan moved from Nigeria Air Force Base, Port Harcourt same morning.

Iringe-Koko said the disaster happened near MIMBO and FPSO, adding that the helicopter had six workers and two crew men. She said: “The Rivers State Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at approximately 11 am. “Mr Ifeanyi Udogwu, a staff of Antan Producing Limited, Port Harcourt, reported to the Command that a helicopter with the call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), belonging to East Wing Aviation, departed from the NAF Base in Port Harcourt. The flight was bound for Nuim Antan OML123 fields, carrying two crew members and six passengers.

“Unfortunately, at about 11 am, the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform and FPSO. All eight persons onboard are feared dead. The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is cooperating with other agencies to recover the aircraft and the occupants. The Rivers State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims during this tragic time.”

Earlier Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, had said there were eight persons on board the crashed helicopter. The company said three bodies have been recovered while rescue missions are currently ongoing. In a statement confirming the accident, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, said:

“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 has 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