The Nigerian Safety Investigations Bureau (NSIB) has disclosed that a total number of five bodies have been recovered so far from the ill-fated helicopter crash that occured near Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This followed the recovery of the body of one of the victims, on Wednesday, from the crash which occured on Thursday, 24 October, 2024.
NSIB stated this in an update on the recovery operation and investigation following the crash of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration number 5N BQG, operated by East Winds Aviation.
However, the fifth body recovered required specialised handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue.
The body was successfully retrieved by the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) and prepared for transfer to the FPSO deck.
An identification process was commenced. While no clothing was found on the body, investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation.
NSIB Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, gave an update in a release on Wednesday on the efforts of the Bureau as follows:
“09:35 AM: HD Steadfast vessel identified a body in the water. Recovery actions were initiated by deploying the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for retrieval of the body.
“09:40 AM: Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan.
“09:55 AM, East Winds Aviation was contacted to explore possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation.
“10:40 AM: HD Steadfast deployed a drone to conduct an extended aerial search of the area to locate additional floating objects or bodies.
“10:45 AM: Sea conditions presented challenges to the FRC crew for recovery. Coordination with HD Steadfast allowed the team to use its crane to retrieve the body safely and transfer it to the FPSO deck, despite inclement weather.
“10:49 AM: Following East Winds’ notification that air ambulance providers were unavailable, NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support.
“11:15 AM: The body was successfully retrieved by the FRC and prepared for transfer 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: East Winds 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 escorted to the Navy base by the Antan Flight Coordinator to prepare for the transport of the remains.
“8:00 PM: 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.”
NSIB disclosed that it has embarked upon seabed and surface searches as divers have remained active on the seabed, “conducting a thorough sweep, based on recent information about the crash site’s possible location.
“Calculations incorporating tidal flow direction, strength, and timing indicate the helicopter likely entered the water approximately 1,850 meters west of the initial body recovery area.
“The search was relocated accordingly, but no signal from the locator beacon was detected at this position. The team has since moved closer to the FPSO, where beacon signals were previously received.”
NSIB added that it has also mobilised two vessels equipped with side-scan sonar to broaden the search range.
Four additional side-scan sonar units are en route from Port Harcourt and will be deployed tomorrow (Thursday) morning to enhance search coverage.
Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., commended the collaborative efforts in the search and recovery process.
“The recovery operation presents unique challenges due to the environmental conditions, but our team and partners are 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 said.
NSIB further stated that it will continue to work in close coordination with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process, in line with its mandate to promote transportation safety across Nigeria.
