Crew Transfer Helicopter Crashes Off Lagos

File photo credit: Bristow Group

Bristow Helicopters has confirmed that eleven people have been rescued after one of its helicopters was involved in a controlled water landing near Lagos at about 10.25 a.m. local time as it was returning on a routine crew transfer flight from an offshore platform.

All nine passengers and crew two two onboard the aircraft are safe and accounted for, and are being transferred to shore.

The aircraft involved is a Sikorsky S-76C++ with tail number 5N-BQJ

The incident was confirmed via statement from Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited, a unit of Houston-based Bristow Group.

The company says it has mobilized the full resources of Bristow Group’s incident response team. The company added it is fully cooperating with authorities, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and The Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau, in responding to the incident.

The wreckage was located by search and rescue helicopters from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency about 68 nautical miles from Lagos. Only the pilot was injured, the agency said.

“We are incredibly thankful that everyone on board the helicopter is safe and has been accounted for,” said Bristow’s Regional Director Africa Duncan Moore. “Our highest priority is to take care of our crew and clients and their family members and provide them with any assistance needed.”