Rivers: Wreckage of crashed helicopter recovered
Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB)
Published By: Ayorinde Oluokun
By Itohan Abara-Laserian
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on Thursday announced the successful recovery of the tail boom of the ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, which ditched in the Atlantic Ocean, Port Harcourt, Rivers last Thursday.
The NSIB disclosed this in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji on Thursday night.
It said the helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, had eight individuals on board when it crashed near Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt on October 24.
According to NSIB’s statement, the tail boom was identified during recovery dives approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon, at a depth of 42 meters, with coordinates Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E.
NSIB’s Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh, lauded the teamwork and cooperation among parties involved in the search and recovery efforts.
“Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
“We are determined to conduct a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure to the families of those affected.”
Five bodies out of the eight individuals on board have been recovered.
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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, confirmed the recovery via his X handle on Thursday evening.(N
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.in a statement by its spokesperson had said the crashed helicopter took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN with eight persons on board (six passengers and two crew members).
According to the NNPCL spokesperson, the helicopter was engaged to transport personnel to its Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) facility, NUIMS ANTAN, when it tragically lost contact.
“The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima.
“The flight had eight people on board — six passengers and two crew members — when contact was lost at 11:22 am,” he said.
Soneye said the NNPCL would continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.
“We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold.
“Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time.
“We will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation,” he said.
