PENGASSAN: Four of our members died in Rivers helicopter crash

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) says it lost four members in the helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

On Thursday, the helicopter, operated by EastWind Aviation Limited and hired by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, crashed on its way from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt to the national oil company’s floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) facility.

The aircraft, carrying six passengers and two crew members, plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar, around 11:22am.

According to the ministry of aviation and aerospace development, three persons died in the crash.

Earlier today, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said two more bodies were recovered from the helicopter crash site.

In a statement on Friday, Festus Osifo, president of PENGASSAN, said the association was deeply saddened by the death of its members.

Osifo said the deceased members were devoted members of the PENGASSAN family and dedicated professionals in the oil and gas industry.

“Their contributions to the sector and to our association will be sorely missed,” he said.

“PENGASSAN extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims during this difficult time.

“We share in their grief and offer our unwavering support, as we navigate this tragic event. We are committed to providing assistance to the bereaved families in any way possible.”

Osifo said the association was currently working to gather more information about the circumstances behind the crash and is completely assisting the appropriate authorities with their investigation.

He, therefore, urged the aviation agencies to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the cause of the accident and implement urgent measures to prevent future tragedies.

“PENGASSAN calls on all its members everywhere, through the branches, to observe a moment of silence and reflection in honor of our fallen Comrades,” Osifo said.

“Their dedication and service to the Oil and Gas industry will never be forgotten.”

Osifo said the association would continue to update the public as more information becomes available.