Fifth Body Recovered In Ongoing Investigation Of Port Harcourt Helicopter Crash

Fifth Body Recovered In Ongoing Investigation Of Port Harcourt Helicopter CrashSix days after the tragic helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the recovery of an additional body. The NSIB indicated that one of the recovered bodies required specialized handling due to its advanced decomposition before being transferred to the morgue.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration number 5NBQG, was on a flight from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it crashed last Thursday, resulting in the deaths of all eight individuals on board. Initially, four bodies were recovered, with search teams continuing their efforts to locate the remaining victims.

NSIB has been working closely with local authorities and specialized teams to complete the search and recovery operations. In a clarification shared with Vanguard, NSIB official Solomon Adetokunbo stated, “Four bodies were previously recovered, and five were found today. However, these bodies have not yet been identified, so we cannot confirm if they were aboard the helicopter.”

According to Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, “A total of five bodies were located and recovered today, but one requires specialized handling due to its condition before transport to the morgue.”

The statement detailed the day’s recovery efforts:

•09:35 AM: The HD Steadfast vessel identified a body in the water, initiating recovery operations with the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC).

•09:40 AM: Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan.

•09:55 AM: Eastwind Aviation was consulted for potential air ambulance support.

•10:40 AM: HD Steadfast deployed a drone for an extended aerial search for additional bodies.

•10:45 AM: Sea conditions posed challenges for the FRC crew, but coordination with HD Steadfast allowed safe retrieval of the body using a crane.

•10:49 AM: NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support after air ambulance options were unavailable.

•11:15 AM: The body was successfully retrieved and prepared for transfer.

•11:41 AM: Investigators began the identification process, examining specific characteristics since no clothing was found.

•12:49 PM: The Nigerian Navy was contacted for assistance in transporting the body to land.

•1:08 PM: Crew photographs from Eastwind Aviation were provided to aid in physical identification.

•2:44 PM: A mortician arrived to prepare for the transport of remains.

•8:00 PM: Divers discovered fragments of fiberglass and aluminum, likely from the helicopter, prompting adjustments to the search grid.

Divers remain active on the seabed, conducting thorough sweeps based on recent data regarding the crash site’s location. Analysis of tidal flow and strength suggests the helicopter likely entered the water about 1,850 meters west of the initial recovery area, prompting a relocation of search efforts. Although no signals from the locator beacon were detected at this new position, the team has moved closer to the FPSO, where signals had previously been received.

To enhance search operations, NSIB has deployed two vessels equipped with side-scan sonar and is expecting four additional units from Port Harcourt to arrive for deployment the following morning.

For more information on this article and other related posts from Bushradiogist, please join our WhatsApp channel by clicking this link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaUumOODTkK7AZL1Fw3o. For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 090 1907 0863 on WhatsApp.