KANO, Nigeria 

At least three people died in a helicopter crash in Nigeria's oil-rich state of Port Harcourt on Thursday, with five others missing according to the country's Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The crash was reported to have taken place at 11.22 a.m. local time (1022GMT) in Rivers State near the country's Atlantic coast.

The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 operated by the company East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig when it crashed near the city of Finima.

Ministry spokesperson Odutayo Oluseyi said eight people were on board the aircraft when it crashed, including the three confirmed dead.

He said the military taking part in ongoing efforts to locate survivors, aided by low-flying aircraft.

This comes after several other deadly helicopter accidents, raising concerns among aviation and safety experts. Calls are growing in the country for civil and military aviation authorities to uphold operating standards and strengthen safety regulations.