Helicopter crash kills 3 in Port Harcourt

A helicopter crash claimed the lives of three individuals today, Thursday. It happened  in Port Harcourt, about 11:22 am, Medialord.ng learnt.

The incident involved a Sikorsky SK76, registered as 5NBQG, operated by East Wind Aviation. The helicopter was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.

Details of the helicopter crash

The aircraft had eight people on board when it ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.

Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the accident. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway to locate the remaining passengers.

The statement mentioned, “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified. Emergency response teams have been activated. Search and rescue operations are ongoing with support from various agencies.” Neighbouring aerodromes have also been alerted for assistance.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Manual efforts to locate the crash site are in progress, despite no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal.

Authorities are deploying  all available resources, including military units and low-flying aircraft, to aid in the search. So far, three bodies have been recovered from the water, Medialord gathered.

The Minister of Aviation is coordinating with all relevant agencies to ensure an effective response. The goal is to minimize casualties from this tragic helicopter crash.

Helicopter crash in Nigeria

Helicopter crashes in Nigeria have raised significant safety concerns over the years. The country’s challenging terrain and varying weather conditions contribute to the risks faced by aviation operators. These incidents often involve helicopters used in sectors like oil and gas, emergency services, and transportation.

The last major helicopter crash occurred on August 3, 2022, when a helicopter operated by Bristow Helicopters went down in the Opebi area of Lagos. This accident resulted in the loss of two lives.

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine flight when it experienced technical difficulties, leading to its tragic descent. The incident sparked renewed discussions about aviation safety standards and regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

In response to such accidents, rescue efforts typically involve multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Following the 2022 crash, emergency response teams quickly mobilized to search for survivors and recover the aircraft’s wreckage.  The local communities, military units, and other relevant organizations often support the search opeartions to ensure a comprehensive response.

The impact of helicopter crashes extends beyond the immediate loss of life. These incidents highlight the need for improved safety measures and training for aviation personnel. They also raise concerns about the reliability of aging aircraft and the maintenance practices of operators.