The recent tragic helicopter crash at sea off Port Harcourt, Nigeria, has once again highlighted the risks associated with aerial operations in the country’s offshore oil fields. The accident occurred when a helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation, contracted by the National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), crashed near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, the helicopter, which was carrying eight people and was heading to the FPSO-Nuims Antan oil platform, crashed early in the morning after taking off from the Port Harcourt Military Base (PNMH). Authorities quickly launched rescue operations, but only three bodies have been recovered so far.
The tragic incident raises questions about the safety of aerial operations in Nigeria’s oil region, which has already been rocked by a series of air accidents. The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, through its spokesperson Odutayo Oluseyi, has promised to closely monitor the situation and fully support the search and rescue efforts.
In these difficult times, our thoughts are with the passengers, crew and their families. The priority is to support the ongoing search operations and ensure the safety of human lives. The relevant authorities remain mobilized and will provide regular updates on the evolving situation.
It is important to emphasize the critical importance of strengthening safety and control measures in offshore aviation operations to avoid such incidents in the future. The safety of oil workers and aviation operators must be a top priority to prevent further tragedies.
In conclusion, this tragic accident is a poignant reminder of the inherent risks of aviation operations in offshore oil regions. It underscores the imperative need to improve safety and surveillance standards to protect the lives of workers and ensure the safety of aviation operations in Nigeria’s energy sector.