Oil Workers, Crew Members Die in Port Harcourt Helicopter Crash

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Some oil workers conducting operations at the OML 123 oil field in Port Harcourt, Rivers State have been involved in a helicopter crash.

It was gathered that the small aircraft plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near the Mimbo platform and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel at about 11:40 am on Thursday.

It is not certain the number of fatalities, but there are fears that all persons on board the helicopter may have died in the crash.

The plane was said to have been carrying about six oil workers and two crew members when the unfortunate incident occurred before noon.

According to reports, only three bodies have been recovered by first responders, while efforts are being made to search for the remaining persons.

“There were six personnel and two crew members onboard the helicopter. Three bodies have been recovered so far. Search and rescue is ongoing.

“The helicopter belongs to Eastwind Aviation,” reports said.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, while confirming the incident, said, “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated.

“The Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies are actively involved.”