An ill-fated helicopter in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday, was engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) onboard.

NNPCL spokesman Olufemi Soneye, in a statement, confirmed that the helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation was engaged by NNPC Limited.

The copter crashed at 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt when the helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG took off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.

A total of eight persons were confirmed on board, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi.

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

“We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time.

“We assure that we will continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the NNPCL said.