The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has corrected its initial report on the recovery efforts following last Thursday’s helicopter crash involving an Eastwind Aviation Sikorsky SK76, with registration 5N-BQG, in the Atlantic Ocean. Although it was initially stated by NSIB Director General Capt. Alex Badeh that five bodies had been recovered, the Bureau now confirms that only three bodies have been retrieved.
In an official statement on Sunday, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, clarified that while divers had located two additional bodies on October 25, 2024, adverse ocean conditions prevented their recovery. “Efforts to locate the remaining individuals continued on October 25, 2024, and although divers located two additional bodies, strong ocean currents and limited visibility prevented their retrieval at that time,” Oladeji explained.
To support ongoing efforts, the NSIB announced plans to deploy a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) outfitted with specialized sensors and cameras, which will enhance visibility and precision in deep-water recovery. “This ROV will facilitate detailed inspection, enable targeted retrieval operations, and assist in gathering vital evidence that will support our investigation into the incident,” added Oladeji.
Speaking on the coordinated efforts, Capt. Badeh emphasized the Bureau’s commitment to uncovering the cause of the crash and providing answers to those affected. “The NSIB, along with our partners, is fully committed to locating and recovering all individuals and critical components from this unfortunate accident. Our team is working tirelessly under challenging conditions to conduct a thorough investigation that will provide clear answers for families, loved ones, and the nation,” he said.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), which is collaborating on the search and recovery, also affirmed that only three bodies had been found thus far. In a statement issued by Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye, the company extended sympathies to the families affected and reiterated its support for intensified search operations. “Beyond the three bodies found in the ill-fated helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation that crashed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, no other bodies have been recovered,” the statement read.
Search efforts continue, with the NSIB and NNPCL committed to bringing closure to families impacted by the tragic incident, while the advanced recovery technologies aim to expedite the process and gather crucial evidence to determine the cause of the crash.
