Breaking: NNPCL gives update on oil workers killed in Port Harcourt helicopter incident

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has said a search and rescue effort is ongoing over the helicopter incident that led to the deaths of two oil workers on Thursday.

NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye disclosed this in a statement on Thursday through the company’s official X account.

CityNews earlier reported that two people died after a helicopter incident ditched into the waters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Reacting to the incident, NNPCL said it lost contact with the helicopter at about 11:22 am on Thursday after it took off with eight persons on board from Nigerian Air Force Base in Port Harcourt en route to the company’s oil facility, FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN in Rivers State.

“On the 24th of October 2024, at about 11:22 am, we lost contact with the helicopter, Register Number 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.

“There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement. Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered.

“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 assure you that we will continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the company stated.