By Aliu Akeem
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has confirmed that five individuals remain missing after a helicopter crash on Thursday. The unfortunate incident, which has stirred significant concern, happened in a region where the petroleum industry frequently relies on helicopter transport for offshore operations. The helicopter was en route from Port Harcourt to an offshore oil facility when it lost contact and subsequently went down under circumstances that are still under investigation.
In a Sunday statement, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, clarified that only three bodies had been recovered as of the latest update. “The NNPC Ltd wishes to announce that, beyond the three bodies found… no other bodies have been recovered,” Soneye emphasized, countering claims of additional discoveries.
Rescue operations continue in collaboration with authorities to locate the missing individuals. Soneye reiterated NNPC’s commitment to these efforts: “Intensified search and rescue operations for the remaining individuals… are still underway.”
The helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, according to report was transporting NNPC employees and aviation crew to the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, NUIMS Antan, situated offshore. Despite ongoing search efforts, only three bodies have been recovered so far, leaving families and the company awaiting further news as the search continues.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
Following the crash, immediate search and rescue operations were launched in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, emergency response teams, and other agencies. As of the most recent update, however, only three bodies have been located and identified, while five individuals remain missing.
The NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, addressed this development in a public statement, explaining the company’s commitment to finding the missing persons and clarifying certain reports in the media.
“The NNPC Ltd wishes to announce that, beyond the three bodies found in the ill-fated helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation that crashed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, no other bodies have been recovered,” Soneye said. This announcement contradicts earlier reports that suggested two additional bodies had been recovered on Friday.
Soneye confirmed that the corporation is actively participating in intensified search and rescue operations, working alongside relevant authorities to account for the missing individuals. “The Company further notes that intensified search and rescue operations for the remaining individuals, in conjunction with relevant authorities, are still underway,” he added, underscoring the seriousness with which NNPC is approaching the situation.
Many families and friends have also taken to social media to share photos and information about the missing, asking for support and extending their gratitude to the NNPC and other organizations involved in the rescue efforts.
