By Chinelo Obogo
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said that no debris, survivors, or bodies were recovered during the search and recovery efforts on October 25, following the October 24, 2024, crash involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation.
The NSIB Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, said in a statement that though no recovery has been made, divers have successfully established a secured diving perimeter at an expected location of the wreck, which will guide the operations planned for Sunday.
She disclosed that the perimeter depth has been measured at 40-50 meters, and additional diving equipment and resources will be deployed to aid in the continuation of these efforts.
Eight persons were feared to have died after the helicopter crashed on Thursday, October 24, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The helicopter lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52 am. Operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), it did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, prompting authorities to manually plot the accident’s location to expedite search and rescue efforts. Three bodies were recovered on October 24.
Oladeji quoted the Director General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., as saying that they will continue the search and recovery operations with every necessary resource.
“In line with global best practices, we are providing an update on the ongoing search and recovery efforts following the October 24, 2024, ditching incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation.
The incident occurred near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Port Harcourt. Rescue operations commenced shortly after, with teams continuing to work extensively to locate the helicopter and any signs of survivors.
“On the morning of October 25, 2024, at 07:30 AM local time, rescue teams resumed search operations. The search area was expanded as part of ongoing efforts to locate debris or signs of survivors.
“A team of NSIB Aviation Safety Investigators and Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development representatives arrived at the Nuim Antan facility at 11:30 am local time. Investigators conducted interviews with relevant staff to gather information pertinent to the ongoing investigation. The investigative team completed their on-site interviews and departed the FPSO by 3:24 pm.
“At approximately 6:15 pm, search operations were suspended due to diminishing daylight. Unfortunately, no debris, survivors, or bodies were recovered during the day’s search.
“However, the divers successfully established a secured diving perimeter at an expected location of the wreck, which will guide the operations planned for tomorrow.
“The perimeter depth has been measured at 40-50 meters, and additional diving equipment and resources will be deployed to aid in the continuation of these efforts.
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau remains committed to providing timely updates as the investigation advances and to conducting a thorough and transparent analysis of the incident. Further details will be released as they become available,” Oladeji said.