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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the successful identification of the wreckage of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024.
According to a statement from NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the wreckage was pinpointed during a recovery dive conducted on Wednesday night.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation and carrying eight individuals, was en route to an offshore floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development had earlier reported that three bodies had been recovered while search efforts continued for the remaining passengers.
NSIB added that a fifth body was retrieved on Wednesday and required specialized handling due to decomposition.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu directed military personnel in Port Harcourt to join the search and recovery efforts, providing necessary support to NSIB, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other related agencies.
The statement reads, “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announces that the allied team and partners leading the charge for the search and recovery efforts of the ditched Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, have located its wreckage.
“The wreckage was identified during last night’s recovery dives, approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon. It was located at a depth of 42 meters, with coordinates registered at Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E.
“Preparations are currently underway for the helicopter’s recovery to support further investigation.”
Alex Badeh, director-general of NSIB, commended the allied team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts.
Badeh said, “Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in our efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
“The dedication and cooperation shown by all involved parties have been exceptional, and we are determined to conduct a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure to the families of those affected.”
He reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to working closely with national and international partners to carry out the recovery and investigative process, in line with its mandate to enhance transportation safety in Nigeria.