What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
Join Date: Aug 2005
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militia leader in the Delta
Just caught a pic of that mofo on CNN Africa. Honestly, he looks like one of those rhinos who just stepped out of a mud pool. Hope he feeds his army as well as he does himself.
Word to the wise: we should all leave the oil rich delta, take our brought-in technology with us, and shall watch how they cope without us. It'll be a delight because nothing will change to the better. Fat pigs like the one pictured on CNN will embezzle themselves on the backs of a starving nation...I shall toast to that fact
If I offended someone with that statement, mea culpa...but that's what I think about this mess. Looking at those natives on the plane waving around with wads of Euros, Dollars, and other currencies should be captured by a Kodak moment.
Word to the wise: we should all leave the oil rich delta, take our brought-in technology with us, and shall watch how they cope without us. It'll be a delight because nothing will change to the better. Fat pigs like the one pictured on CNN will embezzle themselves on the backs of a starving nation...I shall toast to that fact
If I offended someone with that statement, mea culpa...but that's what I think about this mess. Looking at those natives on the plane waving around with wads of Euros, Dollars, and other currencies should be captured by a Kodak moment.
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All the Shell Flow stations in the west have been evacuated now (some 500 people), except Forcardos and one swamp rig north of Warri.
The expats kidnapped were on a work boat because the Sea Eagle was evacuated by 2 helicopters (at night!! - still no SAR cover).
The dead bodies keep turning up at Benisede. I think the count is up to 15+.
The Nigerian Army is in force at the swamp locations now but I think they are more of a threat than the insurgents. Very undisciplined. One group of soldiers high jacked a helicopter dropping off food to there location in the swamp. They forced the crew to fly them back to Warri. Their comrades remaining on the ground were trying to force the crew not to take them. How do you argue with idiots waving guns in your face inside and outside the aircraft.
Is there not some legal obligation by these multinational companies to provide a safe working environment. Oh no sorry pilots are expendable in this part of the world. Well they must be. There is no interest in creating a proper SAR cover (Especially for night ops where the last helicopter to go down has never been seen or heard of again). And when the sh*t is hitting the fan the pilots are the first ones sent headlong into it.
Nice to know the pilots are appreciated
The expats kidnapped were on a work boat because the Sea Eagle was evacuated by 2 helicopters (at night!! - still no SAR cover).
The dead bodies keep turning up at Benisede. I think the count is up to 15+.
The Nigerian Army is in force at the swamp locations now but I think they are more of a threat than the insurgents. Very undisciplined. One group of soldiers high jacked a helicopter dropping off food to there location in the swamp. They forced the crew to fly them back to Warri. Their comrades remaining on the ground were trying to force the crew not to take them. How do you argue with idiots waving guns in your face inside and outside the aircraft.
Is there not some legal obligation by these multinational companies to provide a safe working environment. Oh no sorry pilots are expendable in this part of the world. Well they must be. There is no interest in creating a proper SAR cover (Especially for night ops where the last helicopter to go down has never been seen or heard of again). And when the sh*t is hitting the fan the pilots are the first ones sent headlong into it.
Nice to know the pilots are appreciated
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The Army perceived as the biggest threat
Just watching em how they conduct themselves when the beer is sold cheeper than usual makes we wonder if they are really able to secure a location. It gave me the impression they carry their brain in the scrotum on top with a weapon hanging around their shoulders. A very dangerous combination. Reading the previous post doesn't surprise me at all. But "Wit te elp of God evythieng is posibie" That is laughable. Especially when some try to explain the theory of goodness and the context of the bible to one with an alcohol exhaust that could kill ones facial hair.
Lets brace ourselves for another episode of gun and mudslinging extravaganzas that'll keep our blood pressures up.
Lets brace ourselves for another episode of gun and mudslinging extravaganzas that'll keep our blood pressures up.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Wondering about the process
Just curious if anyone is familiar with either Bristow or Olog's hiring timelines. I sent in a resume about 2 weeks ago to both operations and have not even received an acknowledgement. Of course with the current Nigerian situation, not sure that I want an offer! LOL I have another slot on hold but need to make a commitment in the next week or so...
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Foggy, Dear Chap,
As you quite rightly stated, with the current situation in Nigeria, you better take one of the many other options available to you elsewhere on this globe.
By the way: What's your handycap?
As you quite rightly stated, with the current situation in Nigeria, you better take one of the many other options available to you elsewhere on this globe.
By the way: What's your handycap?
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It sems as if the group holding 4 expatriates hostage in the Niger Delta have now decide to up the stakes. Apparently the American they are holding hostage is sick and they have announced that if he dies they will kill the rest. What can they possibly hope to gain by this?
For those expatriates living in Port Harcourt, it is worrying that statements are now being issued by members of armed militia groups in Port Harcourt itself. Does this mean that the threat is now higher in Port Harcourt than it was previously? None of the helicopter companies here seem to have any security advice, or if they do, the managers are keeping it to themselves so as not to alarm people. There's no evidence of any increase in security for expatriate staff, which maybe speaks for how we are regarded by our employers here
For those expatriates living in Port Harcourt, it is worrying that statements are now being issued by members of armed militia groups in Port Harcourt itself. Does this mean that the threat is now higher in Port Harcourt than it was previously? None of the helicopter companies here seem to have any security advice, or if they do, the managers are keeping it to themselves so as not to alarm people. There's no evidence of any increase in security for expatriate staff, which maybe speaks for how we are regarded by our employers here
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The african conundrum
If I may use your quote "which maybe speaks for how we are regarded by our employers here".
Nobody dishes the truth regardless of where you are. Your government airs lies, your bank cheats on you, your doctor might possibly tell you of some ailment to increase the rate of visits and cashing in the dough, your car repair station is finding some discrepancy and all of a sudden you are robbed legally; your employer either north or south, east or west somehow tricks you...and you know what?
Head down, and through with it...if you can better your personal situation do it, and if not refer to the head down thing.
Just a thought
Nobody dishes the truth regardless of where you are. Your government airs lies, your bank cheats on you, your doctor might possibly tell you of some ailment to increase the rate of visits and cashing in the dough, your car repair station is finding some discrepancy and all of a sudden you are robbed legally; your employer either north or south, east or west somehow tricks you...and you know what?
Head down, and through with it...if you can better your personal situation do it, and if not refer to the head down thing.
Just a thought
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I see that the four foreign workers taken hostage by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta are still being held captive with their captors still insisting that their demands for the release of the ethnic Ijaw leaders in government custody being non-negotiable. MEND says that it led a number of attacks since 11 January which have left at least 14 people dead and 11 missing. AGIP has also stepped up security at its installations in the Delta after a threat to attack its Brass terminal and none of the helicopter operators are shutting down at any locations in these areas because of the danger of crews being hijacked as happened on numerous occasions in the past. The thought of a main transmission problem or a serious engine fire must be a cause of concern for helicopter pilots flying in the region, with a possibility of being taken hostage if they have to make an emergency landing in the Delta swamp areas.
The US ambassador to Nigeria has called for the immediate release of the hostages and the British government has called for greater protection of its citizens in Nigeria - fat chance of that when the police are the ones who rob them of money on the road every day .
I also read that the Nigerian government has called for a recpitalisation of airlines to have a minimum of the equivalent of $380,000 in paid up capital and said that they must have at least 2 aircraft. If so I wonder if it will also apply to helicopter operators and what the consequences may be for the one or two small operators who are just trying to start out with a single AS350 or Bell 407 in Nigeria? Caverton managed to get its extra helicopters in good time, though both of them are leased from Heliportugal and their hangar and heliport should ensure they meet up with the capitalisation requirements.
The US ambassador to Nigeria has called for the immediate release of the hostages and the British government has called for greater protection of its citizens in Nigeria - fat chance of that when the police are the ones who rob them of money on the road every day
.I also read that the Nigerian government has called for a recpitalisation of airlines to have a minimum of the equivalent of $380,000 in paid up capital and said that they must have at least 2 aircraft. If so I wonder if it will also apply to helicopter operators and what the consequences may be for the one or two small operators who are just trying to start out with a single AS350 or Bell 407 in Nigeria? Caverton managed to get its extra helicopters in good time, though both of them are leased from Heliportugal and their hangar and heliport should ensure they meet up with the capitalisation requirements.
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Bitmonx,
Bristow (and the other OLOG company, Pan African, which will shortly be Bristow) is operating Bell 206s, Bell 407s, Bell 212s, Bell 412s, EC155s (owned by Shell), Sikorsky S76 A+, A++ and C+s, AS332L1s.
CHC is operating AS355F1s, SA 365Ns, N1s, N2s, N3s, Sikorsky S76Bs and S76C+s.
Caverton is operating 1 each SA365N, A109E and AS350B2
Bristow (and the other OLOG company, Pan African, which will shortly be Bristow) is operating Bell 206s, Bell 407s, Bell 212s, Bell 412s, EC155s (owned by Shell), Sikorsky S76 A+, A++ and C+s, AS332L1s.
CHC is operating AS355F1s, SA 365Ns, N1s, N2s, N3s, Sikorsky S76Bs and S76C+s.
Caverton is operating 1 each SA365N, A109E and AS350B2
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Mama,
Things have now developed further with an attack on AGIP base Port Harcourt yesterday afternoon. CNN, Reuters and BBC are carrying the story and say that about 30 armed men attacked the base, arriving in a speedboat. 9 people, including 8 MOPOL were killed by the robbers and several people were injured. I hear that at least one of the Aero helicopters at the base was damaged in the heavy gunfire, but that no Aero staff were injured thank goodness.
Keep your heads down guys, the Delta is hot at the moment
Things have now developed further with an attack on AGIP base Port Harcourt yesterday afternoon. CNN, Reuters and BBC are carrying the story and say that about 30 armed men attacked the base, arriving in a speedboat. 9 people, including 8 MOPOL were killed by the robbers and several people were injured. I hear that at least one of the Aero helicopters at the base was damaged in the heavy gunfire, but that no Aero staff were injured thank goodness.
Keep your heads down guys, the Delta is hot at the moment
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Thanks Tokunbo. Been trying to get in with CHC but they are not operating any 212 at the moment (at least not in Africa, I heared). I'm kinda stuck with no job but hopefully that will change soon......
Last edited by Bitmonx; 25th Jan 2006 at 18:54.
More Hostage taking planned in Nigeria
An hour old Reuters article reported some progress in negotiations to obtain the release of four hostages being held by Insurgents. Same article quotes hostage takers as saying no release is going to happen and that more kidnappings are threatened.
Time to put more curtains on the crew buses.....
ACN S-76 collected one bullet hole I hear....some avionics damage...Aircraft U/S for a while pending repairs. Some Oz pilots are making inquiries to the Bosses re: improving Security arrangements prior to coming back to work.
Time to put more curtains on the crew buses.....
ACN S-76 collected one bullet hole I hear....some avionics damage...Aircraft U/S for a while pending repairs. Some Oz pilots are making inquiries to the Bosses re: improving Security arrangements prior to coming back to work.
Last edited by SASless; 27th Jan 2006 at 18:32.
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Helo Wife,
I do go along with what you're saying. The other side of the coin is: As soon as those unfortunate guys are being released, the **** is going to hit the fan! They are the only reason why there was no retaliation by the Nigerian Army up to this day for having at least 14 of their men killed by the militants recently. The tragedy is yet to come. The Niger Delta is no childs playroom any longer.
I do go along with what you're saying. The other side of the coin is: As soon as those unfortunate guys are being released, the **** is going to hit the fan! They are the only reason why there was no retaliation by the Nigerian Army up to this day for having at least 14 of their men killed by the militants recently. The tragedy is yet to come. The Niger Delta is no childs playroom any longer.
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archos no intended action/retaliation can change or minimise the problem as it stands now - although I'm relieved to hear that any planned retaliation re those Nigerian Army killings is being held off.
Once again there are hostages and once again they are suffering we know not what, and the families are suffering too.
The Niger Delta hasn't been a playground for awhile. I'm always amazed at how quickly people forget and things move on or the newer and younger pilots disregard the idea of risk, not having known it personally. It's as though past hijackings haven't happened - but they have!!
I've heard pilots heading over there express, in ignorance, that the risk won't worry them. Of course it doesn't while they are young and free, and they often don't realise that their freedom, in reality, is not guaranteed. However that's what it is to be young and not have tasted such problems. For most people, they will be lucky enough to stay feeling like that and I wish them well.
Once again there are hostages and once again they are suffering we know not what, and the families are suffering too.
The Niger Delta hasn't been a playground for awhile. I'm always amazed at how quickly people forget and things move on or the newer and younger pilots disregard the idea of risk, not having known it personally. It's as though past hijackings haven't happened - but they have!!
I've heard pilots heading over there express, in ignorance, that the risk won't worry them. Of course it doesn't while they are young and free, and they often don't realise that their freedom, in reality, is not guaranteed. However that's what it is to be young and not have tasted such problems. For most people, they will be lucky enough to stay feeling like that and I wish them well.
Just received this e-mail from an ex-colleague, which sets the scene quite nicely. Sounds very familiar to 2003 and 1999, and I think illustrates some of Helo Wife's sentiments nicely (especially last line!)........
"Things are quite unstable here at the moment as you can imagine. The
Ijaws attacked Benisede on sat night, shooting five dead & setting
the houseboats on fire.
Sunday was like the Berlin airlift at Tunu- seven aircraft stacked above
waiting in turn to evacuate the staff(many injured). Some aircraft had
to be shutdown to wash the blood out. Yesterday the body retrieval
operation began- poor old ******* lost a friend. The guys on the
Seaeagle want out too, ............... Benisede through to Esc Flow station are currentley empty beside's the military.
This is my my first real taste of trouble here & it it easy to feel
complacent about it all- which is wrong."
"Things are quite unstable here at the moment as you can imagine. The
Ijaws attacked Benisede on sat night, shooting five dead & setting
the houseboats on fire.
Sunday was like the Berlin airlift at Tunu- seven aircraft stacked above
waiting in turn to evacuate the staff(many injured). Some aircraft had
to be shutdown to wash the blood out. Yesterday the body retrieval
operation began- poor old ******* lost a friend. The guys on the
Seaeagle want out too, ............... Benisede through to Esc Flow station are currentley empty beside's the military.
This is my my first real taste of trouble here & it it easy to feel
complacent about it all- which is wrong."
