Eight feared dead in Rivers helicopter crash as police begin recovery

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed a helicopter crash in the Bonny axis of Rivers State, saying the two crew members and six occupants were on board on Thursday.

This is as the police said its marine division cooperating with other agencies has begun a search party to recover the aircraft and the occupants.

A spokesperson for the state’s Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday night and sent to newsmen.

She said a staff of Antan Producing Limited, Port Harcourt, had reported the incident 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 statement reads, “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 Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident in a press release.

“The Rivers State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims during this tragic time.”