NSIB locates wreckage of crashed helicopter in Port Harcourt

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says its search and recovery teams have successfully located the wreckage of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter that crash-landed in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

In a statement on Thursday, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, NSIB’s director of public affairs and family assistance, said the wreckage was identified during recovery dives conducted on Wednesday night.

The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation and carrying eight individuals, had crash-landed off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean on October 24.

The ministry of aviation and aerospace development confirmed that three bodies were recovered, while search and rescue operations continued in a bid to locate the remaining passengers.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited had said it hired the helicopter to its floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt.

Reacting to the accident on October 25, President Bola Tinubu directed military officers involved in various operations in Port Harcourt to join the search for passengers of the ill-fated aircraft.

Tinubu asked the military officers to provide the necessary support needed by the NSIB, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other relevant agencies.

In a statement earlier today, the NSIB said a fifth body was recovered from the site of the crash in Rivers, adding that the body recovered required specialised handling due to its decomposed state.

Giving updates on the search mission, Oladeji said preparations are ongoing for the helicopter’s recovery to support further investigation.

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

“The wreckage was identified during last night’s recovery dives, approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon. It was located at a depth of 42 meters, with coordinates registered at Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E.

“Preparations are currently underway for the helicopter’s recovery to support further investigation.”

Alex Badeh, the director-general of NSIB, commended the allied team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts.

“Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in our efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident,” Badeh said.

“The dedication and cooperation shown by all involved parties have been exceptional, and we are determined to conduct a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure to the families of those affected.”

Badeh reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to working closely with national and international partners to carry out the recovery and investigative process, in line with its mandate to enhance transportation safety in Nigeria.