Helicopter ditches into water, kills 3 in Port Harcourt

Three individuals have been confirmed dead following a tragic incident where a helicopter made an emergency ditching into the waters off the coast of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The accident occurred under circumstances that are currently under investigation as rescue operations were promptly initiated, but unfortunately, the efforts were unable to save the three lives of those on board.

Channels Television has reported that the accident took place at 11:22 AM on Thursday, in the waterways of Port Harcourt.

The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi, has confirmed that there were a total of eight individuals on board the helicopter at the time of the incident.

The authorities are currently focused on investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and providing updates as more details emerge.

The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, the authorities said, adding that rescue efforts have been activated.