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LAGOS – Forty-eight hours after the unfortunate Eastwind Aviation Helicopter crash, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), said it is yet to recover the debris of the aircraft.
NSIB also said that bodies of the victims were yet to be recovered from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter accident with the registration number: 5N-BQG.
This was contained in an update on the crash, provided by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB.
According to the statement, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., the Director-General, NSIB, assured that the bureau would continue to search for the debris and bodies of the equipment and victims, respectively with every resource necessary.
Badeh also appreciated the cooperation and patience of all stakeholders involved in the accident, which claimed eight lives, including six passengers and two crewmembers.
According to the statement, the update was necessary in line with global best practices.
The update stated that rescue operations commenced shortly after the ill-fated crash with teams continuing to work extensively to locate the helicopter and any signs of survivors.
It stated that on the morning of October 25, 2024, at 07:30 AM local time, rescue teams resumed search operations, noting that the search area was expanded as part of ongoing efforts to locate debris or signs of survivors.
The statement added: “A team of NSIB Aviation Safety Investigators and Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development representatives arrived at the Nuim Antan facility at 11:30 AM local time.
“Investigators conducted interviews with relevant staff to gather information pertinent to the ongoing investigation. The investigative team completed their on-site interviews and departed the FPSO by 3:24 PM.
“At approximately 6:15 PM, search operations were suspended due to diminishing daylight. Unfortunately, no debris, survivors, or bodies were recovered during the day’s search.
“However, the divers successfully established a secured diving perimeter at an expected location of the wreck, which will guide the operations planned for tomorrow (Saturday). The perimeter depth has been measured at 40-50 meters, and additional diving equipment and resources will be deployed to aid in the continuation of these efforts.”
NSIB assured that it would continue to provide timely updates on the accident as the investigation advances, adding that it would conduct a thorough and transparent analysis of the incident.
Eight persons had crashed in the Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt on Thursday, following the helicopter crash.
On the day of the accident, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, claimed that three of the persons onboard had been recovered, while a report on Friday alleged that additional two bodies were recovered.
The helicopter 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.
