LAGOS – More than a week after the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crash in Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said that local divers had located the wreckage of the ditched aircraft.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, had crashed in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024 with eight souls onboard.
Six of the persons onboard were staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), while the other two were crew of the helicopter company.
A statement by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, said that the wreckage was discovered on Wednesday night during the search operation.
The crashed helicopter was with the registration number: 5N-BQG. Before now, five bodies had been recovered from the crash.
Oladeji emphasised that the wreckage was identified during last recovery dives, approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon.
She stated that it was located at a depth of 42 metres, with coordinates registered at Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E.
She added that efforts were currently underway for the recovery of the wreckage by the joint team.
She added: “The tail boom of the helicopter has already been successfully retrieved and lifted from the water today (Thursday).
Commenting on the issue, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director- General, NSIB, commended the allied team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts:
He declared that locating the wreckage was a critical milestone in its efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.
He added: “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.”
Further recovery efforts for the wreckage, he said were underway, adding that additional updates would be provided as they become available.
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