NIMASA to report Port Harcourt helicopter crash findings to IMO

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced that it will share findings from its investigation into the offshore helicopter crash in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt, with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) through the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, explained that sharing these findings aligns with international maritime safety standards and reflects Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration within the global maritime community.

He noted that GISIS, an online platform developed by the IMO, supports the timely and accurate reporting of incidents, accidents, and other essential maritime data, enabling member states to exchange crucial safety information, update best practices, and strengthen international cooperation.

Mobereola disclosed that the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), commonly referred to as the black box, from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, were recovered this weekend through an inter-agency collaboration involving NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, HydroDive, and other local and international search and rescue partners.

According to Mobereola, NIMASA received distress signals on October 24, 2024, at the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) and the C4i centre of the Deep Blue project.

He said the signals were promptly shared with the Nigerian Navy, which deployed NIMASA’s specialised search and rescue assets to the crash site, launching recovery efforts under challenging conditions.

Mobereola said the helicopter crashed approximately 1.4 kilometres from the starboard side of the Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel, NUIM ANTAN, owned by NNPC Limited.

He said that with the recovery of the black box, over 80 per cent of the helicopter wreckage has been located.

Mobereola listed other recovered items to include the rotor, three blades, engine, gearbox, windows, cockpit overhead panels, the Electronic Locator Transmitter (ELT), and the tail, all of which are currently secured on a dump barge.

Mobereola praised the swift, coordinated inter-agency response for the search and recovery operations.

He affirmed NIMASA’s commitment to closely collaborating with all relevant agencies to determine the cause of the crash and take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

“As we mourn those lost, NIMASA reaffirms its dedication to the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain and to strengthening inter-agency collaboration.

“Our deepest sympathies are with NNPCL, and with the families and loved ones affected by this unfortunate incident. Safety is a paramount commitment for us at NIMASA, and we remain resolute in our partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to ensure effective, rapid response in emergencies,” Mobereola stated.