Rivers Helicopter Crash: NSIB Confirms Recovery Of Five Bodies
Five bodies were recovered following the helicopter crash on Thursday, according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
To expand the search range, NSSIB has mobilized two side-scan vessels with side-scan sonar. Four additional side-scan sonar units are en route from Port Harcourt and will be deployed tomorrow morning to enhance search coverage”, NSIB spokesperson, Bimbo Oladeji, said in a statement on Wednesday.
Five bodies have been recovered thus far, with the fifth one discovered today requiring specialized handling because of its decomposition before being transported to the morgue.
The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, carrying oil workers, crashed on Thursday after leaving Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Officials said three of the eight passengers’ and crew members’ bodies were found that day.
Although the helicopter’s wreckage has not yet been discovered, it is thought to have slammed into the Atlantic Ocean.
OCTOBER 30, 2024 BRIEFING: UPDATE ON HELICOPTER DITCHING ACCIDENT NEAR BONNY FINIMA – FIVE BODIES RECOVERED SO FAR
]Abuja, Nigeria, October 30, 2024]
FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION
Following the demise of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered with Eastwind Aviation, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) continued its coordinated recovery operation and investigation. The accident, which occurred on October 24, 2024, took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. and involved eight individuals onboard.
Today’s efforts have yielded the following updates:
* 09: 35 AM: HD Steadfast vessel identified a body in the water. The Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) was used to start recovery efforts after the body was recovered.
* 09: 40 AM: Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan.
* 09: 55 AM, Eastwind Aviation was contacted to explore possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation.
* 10:40 AM: HD Steadfast deployed a drone to search the area for longer amounts of floating objects or bodies.
* 10: 45 AM: Sea conditions presented challenges to the FRC crew for recovery. Despite the inclement weather, HD Steadfast’s cooperation allowed the team to use its crane to safely retrieve the body and transport it to the FPSO deck.
* 10: 49 AM: Following Eastwind’s notification that air ambulance providers were unavailable, NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support.
* 11:15 AM: The FRC successfully transported the body to the FPSO deck.
* 11: 41 AM: An identification process commenced, while no clothing was found on the body, investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation.
* 12: 49 PM: The Nigerian Navy was contacted to assist with body evacuation to land.
* 1: 08 PM: Eastwind Aviation provided crew photographs to support physical identification, which were forwarded to the field superintendent and Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) for verification.
* 2:44 PM: The mortician arrived at the Nigerian Air Force base and was met by the Antan Flight Coordinator to get ready for the burial.
* 8: 00 PM: Divers encountered fragments of clean fibreglass and aluminium, likely from the aircraft. As NSIB aims to intensify recovery operations close to the accident, these findings will serve as the search grid’s adjustments.
ADDITIONAL RECOVERY RESULTS AND AN ADDITIONAL SEARCH
Seabed and Surface Searches: Divers have continued to work on the seabed, conducting thorough examinations based on recent information about the potential location of the crash site. The helicopter probably entered the water about 1,850 meters west of the initial body recovery area, according to calculations that include the tidal flow direction, strength, and timing. The search was relocated accordingly, but no signal from the locator beacon was detected at this position. Since then, the team has since moved closer to the beacon-received FPSO.
Search Area Expansion: NSIB has mobilised two vessels equipped with side-scan sonar to broaden the search range. Port Harcourt will depart with four additional side-scan sonar units tomorrow morning to improve search coverage.
Five bodies have been recovered thus far, but the fifth one discovered today requires specialized handling because of its decomposition before being transported to the morgue.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the director general of NSIB, praised the team’s efforts to complete the mission with the utmost professionalism and care. The Nigerian Navy and all those involved in this recovery effort contributed to a respectful recovery process, which we are grateful for. Our top priority is to find out more about the circumstances surrounding this accident, and our thoughts are still with the families who were impacted.
In accordance with its commitment to promote transportation safety in Nigeria, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau continues to work in close collaboration with international and national partners.
Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,
Source: Channels TV
Leave a Reply