NSIB Successfully Identifies Wreckage Of Helicopter Crash In Port Harcourt

NSIB Successfully Identifies Wreckage Of Helicopter Crash In Port HarcourtThe Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the successful identification of the wreckage of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024. According to a statement from NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the wreckage was located during recovery dives conducted on Wednesday night.

The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was transporting eight individuals from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt to an offshore floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development reported that three bodies had already been recovered, with search efforts continuing for the remaining passengers.

NSIB noted that a fifth body was retrieved on Wednesday, requiring specialized handling due to decomposition. In response to the incident, President Bola Tinubu directed military personnel in Port Harcourt to assist with search and recovery operations, collaborating with NSIB, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other relevant agencies.

The statement indicated, “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announces that the allied team and partners leading the charge for the search and recovery of the ditched Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, have located its wreckage.”

The wreckage was found approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon, at a depth of 42 meters, with coordinates of Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E. Efforts are now underway to recover the helicopter to facilitate further investigation.

Alex Badeh, Director-General of NSIB, commended the allied team and partners for their efforts, stating, “Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in our investigation into this tragic accident. The dedication and cooperation shown by all involved have been exceptional, and we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure for the families affected.”

Badeh reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to collaborating with national and international partners throughout the recovery and investigative processes, emphasizing its mandate to enhance transportation safety in Nigeria.

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