The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crashed about one kilometre from its destination in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Thursday.

NSIB Director General, Alex Badeh Jnr, made this known in an interview with Channels Television.

He said the circumstances surrounding the crash remained unknown and that a preliminary report of the accident would be out within 30 days.

The aircraft, with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The copter crashed at 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt when it took off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.

A total of eight persons were confirmed on board but three bodies have been recovered.