HELICOPTER CRASHED OFF GHANA COAST
A statement from the Energy Ministry
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the Petroleum Commission confirm that on Tuesday May 8, 2014, a service helicopter flying under the name Black Hawk and operated by Volta River Aviation Ltd crashed off the Ghana coast in waters approximately 4 nautical miles south of Takoradi.
The helicopter on contract with LUKOIL Overseas Ghana Limited, was on a routine crew shuttle mission transporting personnel to the Jack Ryan rig, with eight persons aboard, when it was reported missing at 13.07 hours.
The helicopter, which had undertaken two successful rotations earlier, took off from the Takoradi Airport at 12.59 hours on its third rotation when the incident occurred.
A search and rescue mission was launched immediately with support from the Ghana Navy, Ghana Air Force and other operators in the area. Survivors have been transported for medical attention to local hospitals.
Three fatalities have been confirmed and an intensive search is underway to locate one person who remains missing.
LUKOIL Overseas Ghana Ltd is an International Oil Company operating in Ghana. It is the operator of the Deep Water/Cape Three Points Block, which has Vanco Ghana Ltd and The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation as partners.
The Ministry, on behalf of its agencies, wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and wishes the survivors this tragic accident a speedy recovery, as all efforts are being made to accord them the best of medical care.
SIGNED:
EDWARD ABAMBIRE BAWA
