By Amah
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Three persons have been confirmed dead after a helicopter ditched into the waters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Channels Television reports that the accident occurred at 11:22 am on Thursday, along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig.
A total of eight persons were on board, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi.
The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, the authorities said.
Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL spokesman, said in a statement that the helicopter was engaged by NNPCL.
“On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22 am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation,” the statement partly read.
“There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement.”
