The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has said that the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been located.
This disclosure was made on Thursday by the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance Bimbo Oladeji.
The agency further assured that recovery efforts for the wreckage were in progress.
Recall that days ago that the copter, operated by East Wind Aviation and engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, crashed along the waterways in the Rivers State capital.
The helicopter took off from the Rivers State capital’s Military Base with its destination as the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
Eight persons were confirmed on board. However, only four bodies have been recovered as of now.
“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 helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, carried eight individuals onboard and ditched in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024,” the statement said late Thursday.
NSIB said 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.
“Efforts are currently underway for the recovery of the helicopter’s wreckage. The tail boom of the helicopter has already been successfully retrieved and lifted from the water today.”
In the wake of the move, NSIB’s Director General Alex Badeh Jr lauded the allied team and partners for the recovery efforts.
“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 said. Family vacation packages
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