Port Harcourt helicopter crash: NSIB recovers another body from Atlantic Ocean

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered a decomposing body from the Atlantic Ocean in search for the remaining bodies of the helicopter crash victims. 

According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji, the body was recovered on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, as it continued its coordinated recovery operation and investigation following the crash. 

The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation crashed off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean on October 24, 2024. 

The helicopter was carrying eight oil workers when it crashed after leaving Port Harcourt. Three bodies were earlier recovered while another one was found on Monday.

The NSIB had deployed remotely piloted aircraft while divers continued to comb the affected areas as the recovery efforts continued.

Wednesday’s efforts however yielded results with the recovery of another body.

“Calculations incorporating tidal flow direction, strength, and timing indicate the helicopter likely entered the water approximately 1,850 metres west of the initial body recovery area,” the NSIB said in a statement. 

“The search was relocated accordingly, but no signal from the locator beacon was detected at this position. The team has since moved closer to the FPSO, where beacon signals were previously received.

“Search Area Expansion: NSIB has mobilised two vessels equipped with side-scan sonar to broaden the search range. Four additional side-scan sonar units are en route from Port Harcourt and will be deployed tomorrow morning to enhance search coverage.

 “A total of five bodies have been recovered so far, though the fifth body recovered today requires specialised handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue.” 

Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., commended the collaborative efforts underway.

“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.”

“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau continues to work in close coordination with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process in line with its mandate to promote transportation safety across Nigeria.”