All the 11 passengers and pilots on Wednesday survived when an RT Bristow Helicopter crashed into the Lagos Lagoon. There were no injuries, according to rescuers, because everyone wore life jackets.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the helicopter was conveying 11 passengers believed to be oil and gas workers from Port Harcourt and crashed at 136, 70 Nauical mile enroute Lagos.
Speaking about the incident, Mr. Michael Akindele, General Manager, LASEMA, said all 11 people on board have been rescued safely.
He said the use of life jacket by the passengers on board made the rescue operation very easy.
“All emergency responders were immediately activated, these includes three RRS Search and rescue Helicopters, Nigeria Navy, Airforce and others were deployed for the operation. The helicopter ditched inside the ocean, however 11 souls on board are alive, no casualty.
“The support of Agip, Mobil and Shell oil companies in the provision of speed boats, while Bristol Helicopter company also provided landing boat for the evacuation of the survivors. The survivors are in adherence to the use of life jackets,” he said.
Akindele added, “The success of this is attributed to will of God and the recently conducted emergency preparedness simulation of air crash by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), LASEMA and other stakeholders. Further investigation into the crash will be looked into by the relevant authorities”, he said.
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