NSIB recovers fifth body from helicopter crash

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has recovered the fifth body from the ill-fated helicopter that crashed off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, involving eight individuals on board.

The body, which was recovered at about 9:35 am, required specialised handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue.

A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, stated that the body was identified through an HD Steadfast vessel, after which a Fast Rescue Craft was deployed to retrieve it.

It said that the Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan, while Eastwind Aviation was contacted to explore possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation.

The statement added that Steadfast further deployed a drone to conduct an extended aerial search of the area to locate additional floating objects or bodies. Unfortunately, sea conditions presented challenges to the FRC crew for recovery.

However, coordination with HD Steadfast allowed the team to use its crane to retrieve the body safely and transfer it to the FPSO deck despite inclement weather. The statement added that following the unavailability of an air ambulance, the Nigerian Navy was contacted for logistical support.

The statement noted that, given no clothing was found on the body, investigators had to examine specific characteristics for identity confirmation.

It added that divers further encountered fragments of clean fibreglass and aluminium, likely from the aircraft, stating that these findings will guide the search grid’s adjustments as NSIB aims to intensify recovery operations within the accident vicinity.

The statement said divers have remained active on the seabed, conducting a thorough sweep based on recent information about the crash site’s possible location.

However, it said, “Calculations incorporating tidal flow direction, strength, and timing indicate the helicopter likely entered the water approximately 1,850 metres west of the initial body recovery area. The search was relocated accordingly, but no signal from the locator beacon was detected at this position. The team has since moved closer to the FPSO, where beacon signals were previously received.”

It stated that NSIB has further mobilised two vessels equipped with side-scan sonar to broaden the search range, adding that four additional side-scan sonar units are en route from Port Harcourt and will be deployed on Thursday morning to enhance search coverage.

The Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., commended the collaborative efforts underway, stating that the recovery operation presents unique challenges due to the environmental conditions.

He assured that their team and partners are dedicated to bringing the mission to completion with utmost professionalism and care, assuring that NSIB will continue to work in close coordination with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process in line with its mandate to promote transportation safety across Nigeria.