A devastating helicopter crash occurred in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, resulting in the loss of three lives. The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation and registered as 5NBQG, was carrying eight passengers.

The incident happened at 11:22 a.m. when the helicopter ditched into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima while en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the Nuimantan oil rig.

Rescue efforts are underway, with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and neighboring aerodromes notified. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant agencies are supporting the search and rescue operation.

This tragic incident adds to the growing concerns over helicopter safety in Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of standard operating procedures and regulations. Recent incidents include a Nigerian Air Force helicopter crash in Port Harcourt in December 2023, a small aircraft crash in Lagos in August 2023, and a Quorum Aviation helicopter crash in Lagos in August 2020.

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has offered condolences to the families of those on board and assured a thorough investigation.

Incident Details:

Helicopter Type: Sikorsky SK76
Registration: 5NBQG
Operator: East Wind Aviation
Passengers: 8
Fatalities: 3 (so far)
Location: Bonny Finima, Atlantic Ocean
Time: 11:22 a.m., Thursday