The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said that searches are still ongoing to retrieve the remaining bodies of those who were involved in the ill-fated helicopter crash that occurred last Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
The helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, was en route to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN facility when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.
The flight’s electronic manifest identified the deceased NNPCL staff as Tamunoemi Suku, Alu Lawrence, Etim Emmanuel, Kenneth Chikwem, Frank Oriamre, and Borris Ndorbo. The pilot, Captain Yakubu Dukas, and a crew member were also involved.
A statement signed by NNPCL’s chief corporate communication officer, Olufemi Soneye, said search and rescue operations for the remaining bodies, along with relevant authorities, are still ongoing.
The statement titled ‘Helicopter Crash: Search Still On-going, No Other Additional Bodies Found’, read, “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 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 the family members of this unfortunate incident.