The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says its team has located the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This is according to the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance Bimbo Oladeji.
“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,” she said late Thursday statement.
“The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, carried eight individuals onboard and ditched in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024.”
NSIB said 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. Efforts are currently underway for the recovery of the helicopter’s wreckage. The tail boom of the helicopter has already been successfully retrieved and lifted from the water today.”
In the wake of the move, NSIB’s Director General Alex Badeh Jr lauded the allied team and partners for the recovery efforts.
“Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in our efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident,” he 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.”
According to the agency, further recovery efforts for the wreckage are in progress.
The development came days after the copter which was operated by East Wind Aviation and engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) crashed along the waterways in the Rivers State capital.
The aircraft took off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) with its destination as the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
Eight persons were confirmed on board. However, only four bodies have been recovered as of now.