The Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited has confirmed one of its helicopters, Sikorsky S76, crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Responding to an online inquiry by The Nation, the firm in a statement signed by Odiaka Vincent Iweze, said the helicopter was carrying eight persons, six passengers and two crew members.
Providing more insights to the accident, the company said: “We confirm that one of our helicopters, Sikorsky S76, carrying eight persons –six passengers and two crew members –en route from Port Harcourt Military base to FPSO NUIM ANTAN (offshore Calabar) today, 24 October 2024 was involved in an accident at approximately 11:30 AM today.
“Upon receiving this information, our emergency response team was convened immediately, and search and rescue mobilized to the scene, and these remain active at the time of this press release.
“The bodies of 3 (three) of those on board have been recovered thus far, and identification procedures are currently underway. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing for the remaining individuals”.
The firm in the statement said its focus and priority was on the search and rescue efforts.
The company added: “We are working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Saftey Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and we will provide updates as soon as we have more confirmed information from the ongoing search and rescue operations.
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this unfortunate incident. We understand this is an incredibly difficult and anxious time for them.
“Our dedicated team is providing direct support to the families, and we will continue to update them as we receive confirmed information.
“We kindly ask the media and public to respect the privacy of the affected families during this challenging period and we commit to releasing further statements and updates to the general public as verified information becomes available”. (Nation)