The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has conveyed its condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the victims’ families, East Wind Aviation, and the entire oil and gas community following a devastating helicopter crash that claimed eight lives. Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, NEITI’s Executive Secretary, described the incident as heartbreaking.
The crash involved an East Wind Aviation helicopter (Registration Number 5NBQG) en route to FPSO-NUIMS Antan from Port Harcourt NAF Base. The victims were identified as Tamunoemi Suku, Alu Lawrence, Etim Emmanuel, Kenneth Chikwem, Frank Oriamre, and Borris Ndorbo, with Captain Yakubu Dukas at the helm.
“NEITI stands with NNPC and the affected families during this difficult time, sharing in their profound grief,” said NEITI, acknowledging the compounded sorrow in the industry following the recent loss of the daughter of NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari. NEITI extended its condolences to Kyari and his family, and emphasized the importance of safety protocols and continuous improvement within Nigeria’s extractive industries.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced the deployment of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to access ocean depths up to 1,000 meters in search of remaining bodies and the wreckage. Despite extensive efforts, critical components like the black box and recorders have yet to be located. The NSIB confirmed the recovery of the fourth victim and expressed appreciation for the support from various agencies involved in the search and recovery operations.
