NSIB: Fifth body recovered from site of Rivers helicopter crash

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says a fifth body has been recovered from the site of a helicopter that crashed in Rivers state. 

On October 24, the chopper operated by East Wind Aviation and hired by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, crashed on its way from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt.

The aircraft, carrying six passengers and two crew members, plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar, around 11:22am.

A day after the accident, two bodies were recovered.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB spokesperson, said the bureau continued its coordinated recovery operation and investigation.

She said the fifth body recovered on Wednesday required specialised handling due to its decomposed state.

Alex Badeh, director-general of NSIB, said the bureau would continue to collaborate with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process.

“The recovery operation presents unique challenges due to the environmental conditions, but our team and partners are dedicated to bringing this mission to completion with utmost professionalism and care,” he said.

“We are grateful for the coordinated support from everyone involved in this recovery effort, including the Nigerian Navy, in ensuring a respectful recovery process.

“Our primary objective remains to uncover information that will fully explain the circumstances of this accident, and our thoughts continue to be with the families affected.”