Tinubu Orders Intensified Search and Military Support for Helicopter Crash Rescue Effort
President Bola Tinubu has called for a heightened search and rescue operation following the crash of a helicopter into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt.
The ill-fated helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation and registered as 5NBQG, was carrying contract staff to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) facility, FPSO—NUIMS ANTAN, when the accident occurred.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG, took off from the Port Harcourt Military Base at 11:22 a.m. on Thursday. It was en route to the oil rig facility when it went down over the waterways in Port Harcourt.
According to Odutayo Oluseyi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, there were eight individuals on board at the time of the crash, three of whom have been confirmed dead.
Rescue operations were promptly initiated after the aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
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In response to the incident, President Tinubu has directed the military to join the rescue mission and provide full support to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Tinubu emphasized the importance of mobilizing all available resources to locate and rescue any survivors. He urged military personnel already engaged in various operations within the area to actively assist in the ongoing efforts.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and the NNPC staff, expressing deep sympathy over the tragic loss. He offered prayers for the souls of the three individuals confirmed dead, asking for divine comfort for their families during this challenging time.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation as authorities work diligently to uncover details about the incident and ensure the safety of similar operations in the future.
