Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the recovery of another body suspected to be fourth victim of the helicopter crash that occurred on Thursday.
Gatekeepers News reports that three bodies had earlier been recovered after the crash of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration number 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation and en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to NUIMANTAN oil rig.
The crash involved eight people onboard as the chopper came down off the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima.
The statement released by 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 FRC and was escorted by the Cameroonian Navy to NUIMS Antan, for safe transit through their territorial waters.
The statement added, “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.”
It stated that Eastwind Aviation had been contacted to arrange an air ambulance for transporting the body on Monday morning, with Eastwind actively coordinating the effort.
Antan Security also informed Port Harcourt Marine Police to prepare for receiving the body from the air ambulance.
NSIB noted 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 to continue search of the remaining bodies and wreckage of the helicopter.
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 bureau also confirmed that two additional specialists would be deployed to NUIM Antan incident site on October 28, 2024, to supervise and support the helicopter recovery effort.
NSIB noted 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.
Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr expressed appreciation for the joint support saying “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.”
