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Helicopter Crash Into Ocean, Three Bodies Recovered, Five Still Missing In Rivers
The incident occurred during a routine flight, leaving rescue teams racing against time to recover the remaining five victims
Port-Harcourt, Rivers State- A Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, with registration number 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, has crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima in Rivers State.
The incident occurred during a routine flight, leaving rescue teams racing against time to recover the remaining five victims.
It was gathered that the helicopter, carrying eight individuals, was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when communication was suddenly lost.
The pilot, who had been in contact with airline officials expecting the aircraft at a floating station, lost radio contact just five minutes before the scheduled arrival.
In the wake of the crash, search teams have managed to recover three bodies from the waters, but the fate of the other five remains unknown.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development confirmed the incident through a statement issued by Odutayo, the head of press and public relations on Thursday.
While the cause of the crash remains unclear, an investigation has been launched to determine what went wrong during the ill-fated journey.
The statement read, “The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
“The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.