Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that eight persons were feared dead in a helicopter crash that occurred in Rivers.

The Spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and made available to newsmen on Thursday.

Iringe-Koko stated that the helicopter, owned by East Wing Aviation, was carrying two crew members and six passengers when it crashed into the sea.

She explained that the crash occurred around 11 a.m.

“Ifeanyi Udogwu, a staff member of Antan Producing Limited, reported to the command that a helicopter, with the call sign number 5N-BQG (S76C+), departed from the Nigerian Air Force base in Port Harcourt.

“The flight was en route to the Nuim Antan OML123 oil fields, carrying two crew members and six passengers.

“Unfortunately, at around 11 a.m., the helicopter reportedly ditched into the ocean, near Antan Producing Limited’s Mimbo platform and FPSO.

“All eight persons onboard are feared dead,” Iring-Koko stated.

She added that the command’s marine division was working closely with other agencies to recover the aircraft and its occupants.

Iringe-Koko also extended the command’s deepest condolences to the families of those affected by the tragic accident.