NNPCL: Five persons still missing in Portharcourt helicopter crash
The company confirmed that three died in the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that had eight persons on board and operated by East Winds Aviation.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says five persons are still missing in the helicopter crash that happened last week Thursday, near Bonny Finima in Portharcourt, Rivers state.
The company confirmed that three died in the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that had eight persons on board and operated by East Winds Aviation.
But, barely 24 hours after the crash, Alex Badeh, the director-general of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), was quoted as saying that two additional bodies had been recovered.
“We have recovered two more bodies, making it a total of five. There are three more down there that hopefully will be recovered today,” Badeh, was quoted to have said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily.
In a statement on Sunday, Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL chief communications officer, said no additional bodies have been recovered.
“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,” the statement reads.
“The Company further notes that intensified search and rescue operations for the remaining bodies along with relevant authorities are still ongoing.
“Once again, our hearts and prayers are with family members of this unfortunate Incident.”
