On October 24, 2024, a helicopter engaged by NNPC Limited, operated by East Winds Aviation, lost contact while en route to the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, NUIMS Antan. The helicopter, registration number 5NBQG, departed from Port Harcourt NAF Base at 11:22 a.m. with eight people on board, including six passengers and two crew members.
The incident has triggered a major search and rescue operation, coordinated by relevant authorities including the Ministry of Aviation. According to an official statement by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, search teams have so far recovered the bodies of three individuals, but efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining five.
“We have reached out to all appropriate authorities, including the Ministry of Aviation, which has since issued a press statement on the matter. Search and rescue missions are actively underway, and we will provide regular updates as more information becomes available,” said Soneye.
The helicopter, which was on a routine flight to the offshore FPSO NUIMS Antan, was part of operations supporting NNPC’s offshore oil production activities. While the cause of the incident remains unclear, authorities are investigating potential factors that may have led to the loss of communication with the aircraft.
Soneye added that NNPC is committed to supporting the ongoing search and rescue operations, stressing that the company’s primary focus is the well-being of the passengers, crew members, and their families. “Our prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their respective families at this very difficult time,” he stated.
The Ministry of Aviation and emergency response teams have mobilized additional resources, including aerial and maritime search units, to comb through the flight path and surrounding areas. The search efforts involve multiple government agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as well as other international partners.
As rescue operations continue, NNPC has assured the public that they are doing everything possible to assist the authorities in bringing the situation under control. The company also emphasized that it will provide regular updates as more information is gathered, expressing hope for a positive outcome in the recovery efforts.
The incident has sparked concerns within Nigeria’s aviation and oil and gas sectors, prompting calls for an urgent review of aviation safety protocols, particularly for helicopters servicing offshore oil installations. This is the latest in a series of aviation-related incidents involving helicopters operating in Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas sector, raising questions about safety standards and emergency response measures in the region.
Families of the missing passengers and crew are being closely supported by NNPC and other relevant agencies, with counseling services and updates provided as the situation unfolds.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with offshore oil production and the critical role of aviation safety in ensuring the security of personnel working in such challenging environments.
