NNPC Helicopter Incident: Three Bodies Found as Rescue Missions Continue

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced on Thursday that a helicopter en route to the NNPC FPSO, NUIMS Antan, had disappeared.

According to the NNPC, the helicopter with registration number 5NBQG took off from the NAF base in Port Harcourt at around 11:22 am before losing contact after departure.

The helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation was carrying eight people, six passengers and two crew members.

On Thursday, the NNPC confirmed the loss of communication with the aircraft, adding that the Ministry of Aviation had been informed immediately and a search and rescue team dispatched to the area.

Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer for NNPC explained that the organization is committed to the ongoing rescue efforts and extended heartfelt prayers to the families of the victims.

In the press statement posted on its official X @nnpclimited, NNPC said three bodies have been recovered while the search continues to know the fate of the remaining five individuals on board.

As families await further news, the nation remains hopeful that more survivors can be found. The NNPC has assured the public that it will provide regular updates as the search progresses.