The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has disclosed the discovery and recovery of additional one body in course of its continuing search for the victims of ditching incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.
It would be recalled that the incident which occurred on Thursday, October 24, 2024, involved eight persons onboard and took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. Three bodies had earlier been recovered.
In an update brief, signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB revealed on Sunday that through the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) re-launched to facilitate recovery operations, at “4:00 pm a floating body was retrieved from the water by the FRC and was escorted by the Cameroonian Navy to NUIMS Antan, for safe transit through their territorial waters.
“6:44 PM: Field operations identified the body by confirming the T-shirt worn matched the description provided. Although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity as the fourth victim.”
It further explained that at 6:50 PM: Eastwind Aviation was contacted to arrange an air ambulance for transporting the body tomorrow morning, with Eastwind actively coordinating this effort.
“7:05 PM: Antan Security informed the Port Harcourt Marine Police to prepare for receiving the body from the air ambulance.”
The NSIB stressed that it is actively collaborating with a joint search, rescue, and recovery team, as well as various supporting agencies.
It said these combined efforts are essential for ensuring a thorough and efficient recovery process and for gathering critical evidence to aid the investigation.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, expressed 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 the essential information to provide clarity and closure.”
NSIB said it remains committed to upholding transparency and accountability in its investigations and working to advance transportation safety across Nigeria.
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