By Sade Williams
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said that the fifth body has been recovered from the Atlantic ocean where a helicopter with eight persons onboard crashed last week.
The Bureau in a statement by Mrs. Bimbo Oladejj, its spokesperson said a total of five bodies have been recovered so far, adding that though the fifth body recovered requires specialised handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue’
The NSIB said it will continue its coordinated recovery operation and investigation following the ditching of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.
The accident, which occurred on October 24, 2024, took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. and involved eight individuals onboard.
It explained that on Wednesday, recovery actions were initiated by deploying the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for retrieval of the body, adding that Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan while Eastwind Aviation was contacted to explore possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation.
It added that HD Steadfast deployed a drone to conduct an extended aerial search of the area to locate additional floating objects or bodies but sea conditions presented challenges to the FRC crew for recovery.
Coordination with HD Steadfast,bit said, allowed the team to use its crane to retrieve the body safely and transfer it to the FPSO deck, despite inclement weather.
“Following Eastwind’s notification that air ambulance providers were unavailable, NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support. The body was successfully retrieved by the FRC and prepared for transfer to the FPSO.
“An identification process commenced; while no clothing was found on the body, investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation.The Nigerian Navy was contacted to assist with body evacuation to land. Eastwind Aviation provided crew photographs to support physical identification, which were forwarded to the field superintendent and Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) for verification.
“Divers encountered fragments of clean fibreglass and aluminium, likely from the aircraft. These findings will guide the search grid’s adjustments as NSIB aims to intensify recovery operations within the accident vicinity.”, the statement reads.
Speaking on additional recovery efforts, the Bureau said the Divers have remained active on the seabed, conducting a thorough sweep based on recent information about the crash site’s possible location.
Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., commended the collaborative efforts underway, stating: “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. We are grateful for the coordinated support from everyone involved in this recovery effort, including the Nigerian Navy, in ensuring a respectful recovery process.
“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. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau continues to work in close coordination with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process in line with its mandate to promote transportation safety.’,’ he said.
