Friends of the pilot of the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, River State, Captain Yakubu Dukas, have taken to social media to mourn his passing.

Ekwutosblog reported that the helicopter with eight persons on board, crashed into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it disappeared.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said five bodies have been recovered so far from the helicopter crash site.

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) confirmed the sad development in a statement issued by its president, Abednego Galadima.

According to the statement, the late Captain was the vice president of the association until his death.

“The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) received, with great sadness, the news of the helicopter crash offshore today, October 24, 2024,” the statement read.

“Even more saddening is that the captain on board, Captain Yakubu Dukas, was a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years of flying experience and, until this tragic accident, served as the Vice President of our esteemed union

“We have consistently emphasized that operating conditions in the aviation industry must always be optimal to ensure the safety of all professionals, as there is no parking space up there.

“We urge the government and all stakeholders to aim for zero accidents in their operations, considering the catastrophic consequences of air crashes.

“We also call on all relevant agencies to leave no stone unturned in investigating the immediate and underlying causes of this tragic incident and to implement measures to prevent further occurrences.

“Our prayers are with the families of all those who were on board.”