Three persons have been confirmed dead in a helicopter accident in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 11:22 am on Thursday, along the waterways in Port Harcourt.

The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, ditched into the waters while flying from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig.

Odutayo Oluseyi, the spokesman for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed that there were eight persons on board the ill-fated chopper.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has said its personnel were onboard the helicopter.

Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL spokesman, said in a statement that the helicopter was engaged by NNPCL.

“On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22 am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation,” the statement partly read.

“There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement.”