Six workers killed returning from rig offshore Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria – Six workers have been confirmed dead following an accident involving a Bristow helicopter returning from a rig offshore Nigeria.

The Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopter—which was involved in the accident on approach to Murtala Muhammed International Airport at Lagos, Nigeria, on Wednesday afternoon—was carrying ten passengers and two crew members at the time.

Houston-based Bristow has since confirmed six fatalities, including the two crew members, and six survivors.

“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.”

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, the company said in a statement.

Medical treatment is being provided to the injured, and trained coordinators have been assigned to the families of the crew members and passengers.