A helicopter with 8 people on board has gone missing while on a trip to an offshore oil platform in Nigeria. The helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation and engaged by NNPC Limited, lost contact around 11:22 am on October 24, 2024.
The chopper took off from the Port Harcourt NAF Base and was headed to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN, a floating production storage and offloading vessel located in the Gulf of Guinea. There were 6 passengers and 2 crew members on board.
According to a statement released by NNPC Limited, the appropriate authorities have been notified, and search and rescue efforts are currently underway. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Air Force, and other relevant agencies are working together to locate the missing helicopter and its occupants.
Unfortunately, three bodies have been recovered so far, and the families of the passengers and crew have been notified. The identities of those on board have not been released yet.
The cause of the disappearance is still unknown, but investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The weather conditions at the time of the disappearance were reportedly fair, with moderate winds and clear visibility.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of offshore oil operations in Nigeria, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
NNPC Limited has promised to provide regular updates on the situation and has expressed its condolences to the families of those affected. The company has also assured that it is doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.
As the search and rescue efforts continue, the families of those on board the missing helicopter are left to wait anxiously for news of their loved ones. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
