By Deborah Nnamdi
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the discovery of the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation and engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, carrying eight passengers on board.
The NSIB Director of Public Affairs, Bimbo Oladeji, announced on Thursday that the wreckage, a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, was located approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon at a depth of 42 meters.
The helicopter’s registration, 5N BQG, enabled identification efforts during the recovery dives conducted late Wednesday.
“Efforts are currently underway for the recovery of the helicopter’s wreckage. The tail boom has already been successfully retrieved and lifted from the water,” Oladeji confirmed.
NSIB Director General Alex Badeh Jr expressed relief over the discovery, calling it a “critical milestone in our efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.”
Badeh Jr praised the allied teams leading the recovery operations and stressed the importance of a thorough investigation to offer clarity to the families affected.
“The dedication and cooperation shown by all involved parties have been exceptional, and we are determined to conduct a thorough investigation,” he stated.
The helicopter was en route to the FPSO NUIMS ANTAN oil rig when it went down, with four bodies recovered so far from the eight passengers on board.
The NSIB assured that recovery operations are progressing, aiming to provide further insights into the tragic incident.
