The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed that eight persons were feared dead in a helicopter crash that occurred in Rivers.
The Spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and made available to newsmen on on Thursday.
Iringe-Koko stated that the helicopter, owned by East Wing Aviation, was carrying two crew members and six passengers when it crashed into the sea.
She explained that the crash occurred around 11 a.m.
“Ifeanyi Udogwu, a staff member of Antan Producing Limited, reported to the command that a helicopter, with the call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), departed from the Nigerian Air Force base in Port Harcourt.
“The flight was en route to the Nuim Antan OML123 oil fields, carrying two crew members and six passengers.
“Unfortunately, at around 11 a.m., the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean, near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform and FPSO.
“All eight persons onboard are feared dead,” Iring-Koko stated.
She added that the command’s marine division was working closely with other agencies to recover the aircraft and its occupants.
Iringe-Koko also extended the command’s deepest condolences to the families of those affected by the tragic accident.
In the meantime, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers has identified as pilot of the ill-fated craft as Captain Yakubu Dukas.
The statement from NAAPE reads: “The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) received, with great sadness, the news of the helicopter crash offshore today, October 24, 2024.
“Even more saddening is that the captain on board, Captain Yakubu Dukas, was a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years of flying experience and, until this tragic accident, served as the Vice President of our esteemed union.
“We have consistently emphasized that operating conditions in the aviation industry must always be optimal to ensure the safety of all professionals, as there is no parking space up there.
“We urge the government and all stakeholders to aim for zero accidents in their operations, considering the catastrophic consequences of air crashes.
“We also call on all relevant agencies to leave no stone unturned in investigating the immediate and underlying causes of this tragic incident and to implement measures to prevent further occurrences.
“Our prayers are with the families of all those who were on board,” the statement added.
