At least four people died and two are missing after a helicopter bound for a Chevron offshore platform in Angola crashed, Reuters has reported.
According to the news agency, the helicopter was en route to the Chevron-operated Tombua-Landana platform, offshore Cabinda, Angola, when it crashed.
The California-based oil company told Reuters that five passengers and a pilot were in the helicopter. Search and rescue operation is underway for the two people missing.
Angola’s Angonoticias reports that all the six people have died; two expatriates and four Angolans. The website also says the helicopter went down in bad weather.
In a statement sent to Offshore Energy Today, a Chevron spokesperson said: “A helicopter operated by Heli-Malongo departed the Malongo Terminal, in Cabinda province, Monday, September 26, 2016, at 15:23 and was en-route to the Tombua-Landana offshore facilities.
“The helicopter did not reach its intended destination. It was carrying five passengers and one pilot. One of the passengers is a CABGOC employee; four of the passengers are contractors providing services to CABGOC.
“Search and rescue operations have been mobilized; currently, there are 19 marine vessels and three helicopters involved in the efforts.
“The search and rescue team has located the remains of four personnel. Extensive search and rescue activities continue for those who remain missing.”
The Tombua-Landana field started oil production in September 2009. The field is located in Block 14, 50 miles (80 kilometers) offshore Angola.
Offshore Energy Today Staff