2 hours ago
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LAGOS – The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has recovered an additional body from the last Thursday’s helicopter crash in Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt.
With this, the total number of recovered bodies from the Eastwind Aviation helicopter crash has climbed to five.
Eight persons, including two crew members were onboard the helicopter as at the time of its crash.
NSIB in a statenent by Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, said the recovered body may require specialized handling due to its decomposed state.
The statement hinted that the body was identified at 09:35a.m by HD Steadfast vessel.
It said the recovery actions were initiated by deploying the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for retrieval of the body.
The statement further stated that at 09:40a.m, Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan, adding that Eastwind Aviation was contacted to explore possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation.
The statement added: “Following Eastwind’s notification that air ambulance providers were unavailable, NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support. At 11:15a.m, the body was successfully retrieved by the FRC and prepared for transfer to the FPSO deck.
“At 11:41a.m, an identification process commenced; while no clothing was found on the body, investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation.
“At 8:00p.m, divers encountered fragments of clean fibreglass and aluminium, likely from the aircraft. These findings will guide the search grid’s adjustments as NSIB aims to intensify recovery operations within the accident vicinity.”
Also, NSIB emphasised that calculations incorporating tidal flow direction, strength, and timing indicated the helicopter likely entered the water approximately 1,850 meters west of the initial body recovery area.
Commenting on its task so far, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director General, NSIB, commended the collaborative efforts underway.
He explained that the recovery operation presented unique challenges due to the environmental conditions, but its team and partners were 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,” he added.
