Helicopter crash: NNPC says five persons still missing
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has stated that only three individuals have been found following Thursday’s helicopter crash.
This contradicts reports suggesting that two additional bodies were discovered on Friday, in addition to the three recovered on the day of the incident.
In a statement on Sunday, the NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that no further bodies had been found.
“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,” Soneye said in the statement.
However, the NNPC spokesperson confirmed that search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
“The Company further notes that intensified search and rescue operations for the remaining individuals, in conjunction with relevant authorities, are still underway.
“Once again, our hearts and prayers are with the families affected by this unfortunate incident,” he added.
On Thursday, Soneye announced that a helicopter carrying six NNPC officials crashed along with two crew members.
The East Wind Aviation helicopter, with Registration Number 5NBQG, reportedly took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route to the FPSO – NUIMS Antan.
On Saturday, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau reported that neither the debris of the helicopter nor the remaining individuals have been located, despite efforts by the involved agencies.
Our correspondents obtained the electronic manifest of the flight on Friday, revealing the names of the workers as Tamunoemi Suku, Alu Lawrence, Etim Emmanuel, Kenneth Chikwem, Frank Oriamre, and Borris Ndorbo.
The pilot was identified as Captain Yakubu Dukas, while the identity of the eighth person aboard has yet to be confirmed.
(PUNCH)
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