Six dead in offshore helicopter accident in Nigeria

Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited today confirmed that six people have been killed in an offshore helicopter accident in Nigeria. 

Bristow Helicopters said that the aircraft, that was involved in an accident in Lagos, Nigeria, on August 12, 2015, carried 10 passengers and a crew of two. The company now confirmed that there were six survivors and six fatalities.

According to Bristow Helicopters, the Bristow flight crew was among the fatalities, comprised of Captain Joseph “Jay” Wyatt of Oklahoma, U.S., and First Officer Peter Bello, of Nigeria.

The company said that Captain Wyatt joined Bristow in 2006 and has spent his entire career flying with Bristow Helicopters out of Africa. First Officer Peter Bello joined Bristow in 2014 after graduating from Bristow Academy’s helicopter flight school. Bristow noted that both crewmen were experienced and qualified.

“We are shaken and deeply saddened by this tragic accident,” said Bristow’s Regional Director Africa, Duncan Moore. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and loved ones of all those on board.”

According to its press statement, Bristow has mobilized the full resources of its response team and is working closely with authorities on the investigation, including at the accident site to recover the aircraft. Medical treatment is being provided to those who are injured and trained coordinators have been assigned to the families of the crew members and passengers to support them with their every need and ensure that they receive the most current information and assistance.

“Bristow Nigeria would like to express its appreciation for the help and support it has received from the NCAA, the NAIB, NEMA and other industry stakeholders. The company would also like to thank the Lagos State Government and the traditional ruler and people of the community where the accident took place,” the company noted in the statement.