The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the recovery of the fifth body from the helicopter crash that occurred on October 24 in the Atlantic Ocean near Port Harcourt, Rivers.
This information was disclosed in a statement signed by NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, on Wednesday night.
The NSIB stated that it is conducting coordinated recovery operations and investigations following the ditching of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.
The latest body recovered required specialized handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue.
Director-General Capt. Alex Badeh emphasized the bureau’s commitment to collaborating with national and international partners to ensure a thorough recovery and investigative 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,” he noted.
He also expressed gratitude for the coordinated support from all involved in the recovery effort, including the Nigerian Navy.
“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 added.
The statement outlined that the crash, which involved eight individuals on board, occurred off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
The NSIB provided a timeline of investigative efforts, detailing the recovery process, which began with the identification of a body in the water at 9:35 a.m. and included the deployment of a Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for recovery.
Coordination efforts included contacting Antan HSE and security teams for evacuation plans, as well as engaging Eastwind Aviation for air ambulance support.
At 10:40 a.m., HD Steadfast deployed a drone for an extended aerial search, while the challenging sea conditions led to the use of a crane to safely retrieve the body.
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By 11:15 a.m., the body was successfully transferred to the FPSO deck. An identification process commenced shortly after, and while no clothing was found on the body, investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation.
As the day progressed, the Nigerian Navy was contacted for assistance with body evacuation to land, and Eastwind Aviation provided crew photographs to support physical identification.
The recovery team encountered fragments of clean fiberglass and aluminum around 8:00 p.m., likely from the aircraft, which will inform adjustments to the search grid as the NSIB intensifies recovery operations in the accident vicinity.
The bureau remains focused on ensuring the safety of transportation across Nigeria as it continues its investigations.
