President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Board, its employees, and the families affected by the recent helicopter crash off the coast of Bonny Finima in Port Harcourt.

In a statement released on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu conveyed his “deepest sympathies” to the families of the victims, affirming his support for those grieving.

The statement, titled “President Tinubu Commiserates with the NNPC Board and Families of Victims Onboard the Helicopter in Port-Harcourt,” highlighted the president’s call for an “intensification of search and rescue operations” to locate any remaining passengers or debris from the East Winds Aviation helicopter, registered as 5NBQG.

The helicopter, hired by NNPC Limited, was transporting contract staff to the FPSO—NUIMS ANTAN facility when it tragically crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday.

To facilitate a thorough investigation and recovery efforts, Tinubu has urged military personnel in the region to assist in the rescue mission, collaborating with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies.

His directive emphasizes the government’s commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the crash and providing closure to affected families. In his message to the bereaved, Tinubu stated, “I fervently pray that the Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the three departed souls and comfort their families,” reflecting the national sorrow following the incident.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the crash, stating that the helicopter was carrying two crew members and six passengers. They have initiated a search operation in collaboration with other agencies to recover the aircraft and its occupants.

Grace Iringe-Koko, a spokesperson for the state’s Police Command, reported that the military, the National Emergency Management Agency, and emergency locators began search operations immediately after the incident. As of the latest updates, no survivors have been found. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed the unfortunate event in a statement.