AN Australian pilot was killed in Nigeria today when the helicopter he was flying crashed at an oil export facility operated by US-based ExxonMobil, the company and industry sources said.
Multinational oil companies in Nigeria are using more helicopters to shuttle workers to remote oilfields in Nigeria`s southern wetlands region since boat travel has been restricted in the wake of a rise in militant attacks and crime.
“A Bristow Bell 412 helicopter, crashed on an open field within Mobil Producing Nigeria`s Qua Iboe Terminal,” ExxonMobil said.
“Unfortunately, the pilot, who was alone during the flight, died from his injuries while receiving medical attention.”
Bristow officials were not immediately available for comment.
An industry source identified the pilot as Australian.
ExxonMobil is the largest oil producer in Nigeria, exporting about 900,000 barrels a day.
It said no other person or property was impacted by the crash.
Separately, armed robbers shot dead two people on a ferry on its way from the nearby oil and gas export complex on Bonny Island to regional capital Port Harcourt, security sources said.
The boat owner told a local radio station that armed men stormed the ferry, robbed the passengers and shot an off-duty policeman after discovering his identity card.
The thieves also shot a civilian before fleeing with cash and a bag belonging to the policeman containing arms and ammunition.
Militants fighting for regional control over the delta`s oil wealth have stepped up attacks on the oil industry in Nigeria since late 2005, denting oil exports and prompting an exodus of foreign workers from the region.
The militancy has been accompanied by a surge in armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom, which has nothing to do with the political struggle.
Additional reporting by Tom Ashby in Lagos
