A video has shown the moment the lifeless bodies of some staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited involved in an helicopter crash were recovered from the ocean.
The helicopter carrying personnel of the NNPC met a tragic fate on Thursday, crashing into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The incident involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, which had taken off from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
NNPCL spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the helicopter was chartered by NNPC Limited and provided details about the ill-fated flight, which occurred at 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
The crash prompted a swift response from emergency services, with rescue operations currently underway.
Odutayo Oluseyi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, reported that eight individuals were confirmed on board at the time of the accident.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that all eight passengers on board have been confirmed dead.
In a viral video, sailors could be seen allegedly evacuating the remains of the NNPCL staff to a waiting helicopter.