Helicopter crash rescue operation
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the recovery of a fifth body from the October 24 helicopter crash in the Atlantic Ocean near Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The update was provided in a statement by Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, on Wednesday night, confirming that the ongoing recovery and investigation pertain to a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.
The statement noted that the fifth body required special handling due to decomposition before it was transferred to the morgue. This brings the total bodies recovered so far to five.
NSIB Director-General, Alex Badeh, emphasized the bureau’s commitment to thorough collaboration with both national and international partners to carry out a diligent recovery and investigation process in line with its transportation safety mandate.
“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,” Badeh 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 crash reportedly occurred off the Coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, with eight individuals on board at the time of the accident.
Further details in the NSIB’s report outlined the timeline of investigative efforts: “As of 9:35 a.m., the HD Steadfast vessel identified a body in the water, initiating recovery with the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC). At 9:40 a.m., Antan HSE and security teams coordinated an evacuation plan, and Eastwind Aviation explored air ambulance options at 9:55 a.m. from Caverton Aviation.
“At 10:40 a.m., HD Steadfast deployed a drone for an aerial search, and by 10:45 a.m., challenging sea conditions led to the use of HD Steadfast’s crane to safely retrieve the body to the FPSO deck despite the weather.
“At 10:49 a.m., after air ambulance services were confirmed unavailable, NSIB secured Nigerian Navy assistance, and by 11:15 a.m., the body was successfully retrieved by FRC for transfer to the FPSO deck. At 11:41 a.m., identification efforts began, and although the body lacked clothing, investigators examined unique characteristics for verification.”
Between 12:49 p.m. and 2:44 p.m., the Nigerian Navy was contacted to assist with body evacuation to land. Photographs from Eastwind Aviation supported the identification process, and the body was prepared for transport at the Nigerian Air Force Base.
At 8:00 p.m., divers identified fragments of clean fiberglass and aluminum, potentially from the aircraft. These findings, according to the NSIB, will help adjust the search grid as they work to intensify recovery efforts around the accident site.
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