The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed profound sadness over the tragic helicopter crash involving an NNPC Limited aircraft.
The Sikorsky SK76, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, went down into the waters near Bonny Finima in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after losing contact around 11:22 AM on Thursday.
The helicopter was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the FPSO NUIMS ANTAN oil rig when the incident occurred.
Among the eight individuals on board—six passengers and two crew members—three bodies have been recovered so far, while search and rescue operations continue.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified and emergency response teams were activated.
“While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway, and all available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered.”
He assured that they are actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time,” Keyamo stated.
In his statement, Lokpobiri expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew members, and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We share in the grief and pain of the families, and we stand in solidarity with them as the search and rescue efforts continue.”
He also stated that the Ministry will continue to support the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited as they monitor and manage the situation. “We will continue to offer support to the NNPC Limited in the ongoing rescue mission.”
NNPC spokesman Olufemi Soneye confirmed that the helicopter was engaged by NNPC and reiterated that the search and rescue missions are ongoing.
“On the 24th of October 2024, at 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 the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN.
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There were eight persons on board, six passengers and two crew members.” He added, “We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time.”
Meanwhile, the identity of the pilot of the ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 helicopter has been identified as Capt. Yakubu Dukas, a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years of experience.
“We have received with great sadness the news of the helicopter crash offshore today 24th October, 2024. More saddening is that the captain on board, Capt. Yakubu Dukas, is a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years flying experience and until this unfortunate accident, was the Vice President of our great union,” stated Abednego Galadima, President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).
President Bola Tinubu has directed an intensification of search and rescue operations. He urged military officers involved in various operations in the zone to join the rescue mission, stating, “Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time.”
The President also condoled the Board and staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the families of those who were confirmed to have passed away in the accident, fervently praying that the Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the three departed souls and comfort their families.
