The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has confirmed the recovery of a fifth body from the tragic helicopter crash on October 24 in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This update was included in a statement released late Wednesday by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji
The accident involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, carrying a total of eight individuals onboard.
NSIB, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other partners, has been conducting a coordinated search and recovery mission since the incident.
The fifth body recovered required specialized handling due to advanced decomposition, with meticulous care taken during its transport to the morgue.
The NSIB’s Director-General, Alex Badeh, assured the public of the bureau’s dedication to the recovery process and the investigation, emphasizing that the agency is working closely with both national and international partners to thoroughly investigate the accident’s causes and circumstances.
Badeh said, “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. 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 helicopter crash occurred near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic, and the NSIB has documented each step of its recovery and investigative efforts in detail.
On the morning of the fifth body’s discovery, HD Steadfast, a vessel aiding the search, identified the body at 9:35 a.m., leading the Fast Rescue Craft to deploy for retrieval.
NSIB’s statement recounts that at 9:40 a.m., the Antan HSE and security teams were alerted to coordinate an evacuation plan, while Eastwind Aviation was contacted at 9:55 a.m. to assess possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation.
Soon after, at 10:40 a.m., HD Steadfast utilized a drone to broaden the search area for additional objects or bodies.
Challenges presented by rough sea conditions briefly hindered recovery at 10:45 a.m.
However, the NSIB team coordinated with HD Steadfast to use its crane, allowing the FRC crew to retrieve the body and transfer it safely to the FPSO deck.
“Following Eastwind’s notification that air ambulance providers were unavailable, NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support, and at 11:15 a.m., the body was successfully retrieved by the FRC and prepared for transfer to the FPSO deck,” the statement explained.
An identification process commenced at 11:41 a.m., with investigators using specific characteristics to identify the body in the absence of clothing.
Further assistance from the Nigerian Navy between 12:49 p.m. and 2:44 p.m. allowed for the body’s evacuation to land, with Eastwind Aviation providing crew photographs to aid in physical identification.
The mortician arrived at the Nigerian Air Force Base that evening to facilitate transport arrangements for the remains.
The statement noted that around 8:00 p.m., divers in the area discovered pieces of clean fiberglass and aluminum that may be remnants from the crashed helicopter.
These findings will adjust the search grid, allowing NSIB to refine its recovery efforts further.
As NSIB intensifies its operation, it remains committed to a thorough investigation in line with its mandate to enhance transportation safety across Nigeria.
