Helicopter Crash: Three, Not Five Bodies Recovered – NSIB

Helicopter Crash: Three, Not Five Bodies Recovered – NSIB

Three days after a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by East Wind Aviation crashed in Port Harcourt, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has said three not five bodies have been recovered.

NSIB stated that after recovering three bodies, two others were sighted but efforts to retrieve them ended in futility.

Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, however, said everyone was expediting efforts to ensure that the other bodies were retrieved.

The statement reads: “NSIB wishes to correct recent misinformation concerning the ongoing recovery operations for the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, which ditched into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on Thursday, October 24, 2024. There were eight persons onboard the aircraft at the time of the incident.

“Contrary to reports suggesting that five bodies have been recovered, we confirm that only three bodies were retrieved on the day of the incident. Efforts to locate the remaining individuals continued the following day – October 25, 2024, and two additional bodies were located by divers, but due to strong ocean currents and limited visibility, these bodies could not be retrieved at that time. The recovery of the remaining persons onboard remains a top priority for the amalgamated search, rescue and recovery team.

“The NSIB is working to deploy a Remotely Operated Vehicle, ROV, to the site, equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to enhance visibility and precision in this deep-water environment. This ROV will facilitate detailed inspection, enable targeted retrieval operations, and assist in gathering vital evidence that will support our investigation into the incident.

“The NSIB’s investigation is progressing with support from a joint team of government agencies and private partners. We urge the public to refrain from speculation, which can hinder and distract from the investigation and recovery efforts. Updates on the progress of recovery operations and investigative findings will be provided as soon as verified information becomes available.”