A helicopter crash in Rivers State on Tuesday has left eight people feared dead, including six oil workers and two crew members. The helicopter, owned by Eastwind Aviation, was en route to the OML 123 oil field when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m. while the helicopter was transporting personnel to the Mimbo platform and a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. According to sources, the aircraft unexpectedly ditched before plunging into the ocean.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with three bodies recovered so far. “There were six personnel and two crew members onboard the helicopter. Search and rescue is still underway,” said a source familiar with the situation. Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of fatalities, but concerns remain that all onboard may have perished.
This accident brings renewed focus on aviation safety concerns in Nigeria’s offshore oil fields. Local authorities and aviation agencies are expected to begin an official investigation to determine the cause of the crash, amid calls for stricter safety protocols in the sector.
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