The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced a devastating accident involving a helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation that ditched into waters at Bonny Finima (Atlantic Ocean).
A statement from the agency signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Musa, stated that the accident occurred at about 11:22 am on 24/10/24.
“The aircraft which departed Port Harcourt Airport Base to an oil rig had eight persons on board with fuel endurance of 0215.
“Rescue operations so far have recovered three bodies.
“Search and Rescue coordination activities were activated in the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) while details of the incident were escalated to the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Bonny tower, Osubi tower and Escravos tower for further actions.
“In the same vein, all emergency services and organisations including the military have been contacted for the search mission. Other low-flying aircraft and helicopters are being engaged to look out for floating objects or persons in need of rescue.
“Neighbouring aerodromes and adjacent airspaces have also been contacted,” the statement read.
According to the statement more details shall be provided as they unfold