The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has clarified that only three bodies have been recovered so far from the site of the helicopter crash near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, contradicting earlier reports that five bodies had been retrieved. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 operated by East Wind Aviation, had been hired by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and was carrying eight individuals at the time of the crash. This included six passengers and two crew members.
The aircraft, en route from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt to the NNPC’s floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) facility, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima, near Calabar, on October 24, 2024. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Despite initial media reports suggesting that five bodies had been recovered, the NSIB has confirmed that only three bodies were retrieved immediately after the crash. NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, explained in a statement released on Sunday that two additional bodies had been located by divers but were not retrieved at the time due to challenging underwater conditions. Strong ocean currents and low visibility hindered the recovery of these bodies.
Specialized equipment has since been deployed to assist in the underwater search and recovery efforts. Oladeji also emphasized that efforts to recover the remaining individuals would continue, with the recovery of all onboard remaining a top priority for the joint search, rescue, and recovery teams.
NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., spoke on the ongoing efforts, expressing the Bureau’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals and critical components from the wreckage are recovered. He assured the public that the NSIB, in collaboration with government agencies and private partners, is dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation that will provide answers to the families, loved ones, and the public.
Badeh also urged the media and public to avoid engaging in speculation about the crash, as this could interfere with both recovery operations and the investigation. He stated that the NSIB would continue to provide updates as more verified information becomes available. The Bureau remains focused on transparency and accountability, aiming to enhance transportation safety in Nigeria through its independent investigation process.
