2 hours ago
5
- FDR, CVR Yet To Be Located 72hrs After
LAGOS – The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), said it is working assiduously to deploy a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to the site of the Thursday’s helicopter crash to recover the remaining five bodies onboard of the aircraft.
This is as the bureau clarified that only three out of the eight souls onboard of the helicopter had been recovered so far.
NSIB also said that its combined team of searchers was yet to locate critical components like the black box, Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), over 72 hours after the crash.
A statement by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, said that the ROV it set to deploy, is equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to enhance visibility and precision in the deep-water environment.
According to the bureau, ROV is equipped to operate at depths of up to 1,000 metres, assuring that this would enable it to conduct detailed surveys, collect environmental data, and capture critical evidence essential to understanding the cause of the incident.
Besides, NSIB clarified that contrary to reports claiming that five bodies had been recovered, only three bodies were retrieved on the day of the incident.
It emphasised that efforts to locate the remaining individuals continued the following day, which led to the location of additional two bodies by divers.
It however, regretted that due to strong ocean currents and limited visibility, these bodies could not be retrieved at that time.
It insisted that the recovery of the remaining persons onboard remained its top priority for the amalgamated search, rescue and recovery team.
However, NSIB said it was yet to recover wreckage or critical components like the FDR or CVR, 72 hours later.
It attributed this to the challenging conditions of the operating environment, limited visibility at depth and human divers’ operational constraints.
Commenting on the efforts so far made, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director-General of the NSIB, said that the bureau alongside its partners, was fully committed to locating and recovering all individuals and critical components from this unfortunate accident.
He added: “Our team is working tirelessly to manage the challenging conditions. We remain committed to a thorough investigation that will provide clear answers for the families, loved ones, and the nation.”
NSIB pointed out that its investigation was progressing with support from a joint team of government agencies and private partners and appealed to the public to refrain from speculation, which could hinder and distract from the investigation and recovery efforts.
“Updates on the progress of recovery operations and investigative findings will be provided as soon as verified information becomes available,” the statement added.
Eight persons had crashed in the Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt on Thursday, following the crash of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with the registration number: 5N-BQG belonging to Eastwind Aviation.
The helicopter, which had the six staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) onboard and two crew members of the airline, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig before the unfortunate accident.
The accident occurred at about 11:22a.m along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
