8 feared dead as helicopter crashes in PH

Eight persons are feared to have died after a helicopter crashed on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

A statement signed by the Head Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi, indicates that the helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig. 

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) gave more details on the accident, stating that the helicopter, carrying eight individuals - lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52am. It said, operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the helicopter did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, prompting authorities to manually plot the accident's location to expedite search and rescue efforts. The Bureau said it immediately commenced investigation into the accident.

"Search and rescue operations were activated immediately, with the NSIB collaborating closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Armed Forces and other relevant agencies. Emergency response teams are actively working to locate survivors, with three bodies recovered so far," Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the NSIB Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance said.

Also reacting, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, said in a statement that they engaged the services of the helicopter and that about 11:22am, they lost contact with it. 

"On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, we lost contact with the helicopter with registration number, 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. 

"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. We will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation," Soneye said.

In a related development, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has revealed that its vice president, Capt. Yakubu Dukas, was among those who perished in the crash. 

In a statement signed by the national president, Abednego Galadima, the union expressed sadness at the crash and called on operators and the government to always ensure the safety of pilots. 

 "NAAPE has received with great sadness, the news of the helicopter crash off shore today 24th October, 2024 . More saddening is that the Captain on board, 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.

"We have always maintained that the operating conditions in the aviation industry must always be optimal for all professionals for the safety of all knowing that there is no parking space up there.

We call on the government and all stakeholders, to always ensure that in all their operations, they target zero for accidents because of the catastrophic nature of air crashes. 

"We also call on all relevant agencies to ensure no stone is left unturned in unearthing the immediate and remote causes of this tragic occurrence and all the measures required to be put in place to forestall any further occurrence. Our prayers are with all families whose beloved ones were on board," he said.