As the search and rescue operation continues following the helicopter crash near Bonny Finima in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the recovery of another body suspected to be fourth victim of the incident.
Three bodies had earlier been recovered after the crash of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration number 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.
The crash which occurred on Thursday, October 24, 2024, involved eight persons onboard as the chopper came down off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
The search and recovery operation has continued in a coordinated effort by authorities including the NSIB.
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The statement issued by the NSIB
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, revealed that at around 4 pm, a floating body was retrieved from the water by the FRC and was escorted by the Cameroonian Navy to NUIMS Antan, for safe transit through their territorial waters.
“Field operations identified the body by confirming the T-shirt worn matched the description provided.
“Although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity as the fourth victim,” the statement added.
It disclosed that the Eastwind Aviation had been contacted to arrange an air ambulance for transporting the body on Monday morning, with Eastwind actively coordinating this effort.
In addition, Antan Security informed the Port Harcourt Marine Police to prepare for receiving the body from the air ambulance.
As the operation to retrieve the remaining bodies and the wreckage of the helicopter continues, NSIB revealed that at 10:30 AM, Search, Rescue, and Recovery vessels MV VOSINE, Ebok HD Steadfast, MV Pioneer, and Jacksparrow departed Ebok for the Antan field.
It added that at 1:40 PM: MV Albacore 5 was prepared to transport additional diving equipment for human divers, along with personnel to support recovery operations.
The vessel departed at 4:45 PM for the incident scene.
The NSIB also confirmed that two additional specialists would be deployed to the NUIM Antan incident site on October 28, 2024, to supervise and support the helicopter recovery effort.
The NSIB stated that it is actively collaborating with a joint search, rescue, and recovery team, as well as various supporting agencies, adding that The combined efforts are essential for ensuring a thorough and efficient recovery process and for gathering critical evidence to aid the investigation.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, expressed appreciation for the joint support:
“We are grateful for the coordinated support of national and international partners working alongside us in this challenging environment. Our thoughts remain with the families of those affected, and we are dedicated to gathering the essential information to provide clarity and closure,” he said.
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