The Nigerian Security Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said on Sunday that one more body had been recovered following a helicopter crash on Thursday. This brings the total number of bodies recovered so far to four, while four are still missing.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, carrying oil workers, crashed on Thursday after leaving Port Harcourt, Rivers State. That day, authorities said three bodies of the eight passengers and crew members were recovered.
The helicopter is believed to have crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, although its remains have not yet been found.
“4:00 PM: The FRC recovered a floating body from the water and is currently en route to NUIMS Antan, under escort by the Cameroonian Navy for safe transit through its territorial waters,” NSIB Spokesperson Bimbo Oladeji said. , in a statement shared by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo late Sunday.
The release says field operations identified the additional body by confirming that the T-shirt worn matched the description provided.
“Although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity of the fourth victim,” the NSIB said.
The new development came less than 24 hours after authorities announced they would deploy an underwater drone to assist in the search.
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On Sunday, the office also announced that two additional specialists would be deployed to the NUIM Antan incident site on Monday (today) to monitor and support helicopter recovery efforts.
Read the full NSIB statement below
The Nigerian Security Investigation Bureau (NSIB) continued its coordinated effort in the recovery and investigation operation of the ditching incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 24, 2024, involved eight people on board and took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
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The following updates highlight today's important developments:
• 10:30 AM: Search, rescue and recovery vessels MV VOSINE, Ebok HD Steadfast, MV Pioneer and Jacksparrow departed Ebok for Antan field.
• 1:40 PM: MV Albacore 5 was prepared to transport additional diving equipment for human divers, along with personnel to support recovery operations. The ship left at 4:45 pm for the scene of the incident.
• 1:58 pm: NSIB confirmed that two additional specialists would be deployed to the NUIM Antan incident site on October 28, 2024, to monitor and support the helicopter recovery effort.
• 2:50 p.m.: The Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) was relaunched to facilitate recovery operations.
• 4:00 PM: The FRC recovered a floating body from the water and is currently en route to NUIMS Antan, under escort by the Cameroonian Navy for safe transit through its territorial waters.
• 4:00 PM: The HD Steadfast, the HD Pioneer and an additional vessel arrived at the Antan location. The superintendent met with the crew to discuss surveying the area and then diving operations began.
• 6:44 PM: Field operations identified an additional body by confirming that the T-shirt worn matched the description provided. Although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity of the fourth victim.
• 6:50 PM: Eastwind Aviation has been contacted to arrange an air ambulance to transport the body tomorrow morning, with Eastwind actively coordinating this effort.
• 7:05 PM: Antan Security informed the Port Harcourt Marine Police to prepare to receive the body from the air ambulance.
The NSIB is actively collaborating with a joint search, rescue and recovery team, as well as various support agencies.
These combined efforts are essential to ensure a thorough and efficient recovery process and to gather critical evidence to assist in the investigation.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., NSIB Director General, expressed his appreciation for the joint support: “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 essential information to provide clarity and closure.”
The Nigerian Security Investigation Bureau remains committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in its investigations and working to promote transportation security in Nigeria.
Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,
Nigerian Security Investigation Bureau