On 24th October 2024, a helicopter accident was reported when the aircraft registered 5NBQG, operated by East Winds Aviation and contracted to NNPC Ltd, went missing while en route to the FPSO NUIMS ANTAN facility from the Port Harcourt Air Force Base. According to the statement issued by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation , contact with the aircraft was lost at 11:22 am , triggering an immediate search and rescue operation.
The first hours of the operation revealed a tragic picture, with the recovery of the bodies of three of the occupants, while the search for the other passengers continues. A total of eight people were on board the helicopter, including six passengers and two crew members . The priority of the authorities is to locate and rescue the survivors, with the support of the Nigerian Ministry of Aviation and forces specialized in rescue operations at sea .
Helicopter crash highlights offshore shipping risks
This incident brings to light the operational challenges and inherent risks of offshore operations in Nigeria, one of the major oil producers in Africa. The FPSO NUIMS ANTAN , which plays a crucial role in oil production and storage, is located in a remote offshore location, where transportation operations typically require high safety standards.
NNPC has reiterated its commitment to provide all possible assistance to the rescue teams and the affected families. “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew and their families at this difficult time,” said Olufemi O. Soneye , Director, Corporate Communications, NNPC Ltd. The company has also assured that it will continue to closely monitor developments and work closely with the authorities to clarify the cause of the accident.
The situation has raised questions about the need to strengthen safety measures in transport operations to and from offshore facilities , especially on routes that require precise monitoring due to difficult maritime conditions. In Nigeria, where the energy industry is vital to the economy, such accidents highlight the risks to which those working in critical hydrocarbon production facilities are exposed.
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Source: NNPC LTD
Photo: Shutterstock
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