By Uwadirioha Chioma Delight
A devastating helicopter crash occurred yesterday morning in Bonny, Rivers State, resulting in the loss of all eight lives on board. The ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima.
Initially, the Federal Ministry of Aviation reported three fatalities ¹. However, after a thorough search and rescue operation, the Rivers State Police confirmed that all eight persons on board, including six passengers and two crew members, had succumbed to the tragedy.
The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, released a statement expressing regret over the incident. “Unfortunately, at about 11 am, the helicopter reportedly entered the ocean near Antan Producing Limited Mimbo platform and FPSO. All eight persons onboard have died,” she said.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. “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,” he stated. The Federal Ministry of Aviation has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash.