The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a statement indicating that the search for both the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the three passengers who remain unaccounted for has not yielded any results as of now.
In an official communication, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, confirmed that search operations recommenced at 7:30 a.m. local time, following strict adherence to international search and rescue protocols. Despite the diligent efforts, rescue teams departed the site at the end of the day without any discoveries.
The NSIB has noted that, as part of ongoing efforts to locate any debris or potential survivors, the search area has been expanded. This decision underscores the urgency and seriousness of the ongoing search operations.
The incident occurred on Thursday, involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5NBQG, which was operated by Eastwind Aviation. The helicopter was en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN and was carrying a total of eight individuals: six passengers and two crew members.
In light of the crash, the NSIB has initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ascertain what led to this unfortunate event. They emphasized that search operations are ongoing with the hope of locating survivors or any evidence of the crash.
According to the statement, “On the morning of October 25, 2024, at 07:30 AM local time, rescue teams resumed their search operations. The search area was expanded as part of ongoing efforts to locate debris or signs of survivors.”
The statement continued, “A team of NSIB Aviation Safety Investigators, in collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, arrived at the Nuim Antan facility by 11:30 a.m. local time. Investigators conducted interviews with relevant personnel to gather vital information pertaining to the investigation. The team completed their interviews and exited the FPSO by 3:24 p.m.”
Later, at approximately 6:15 p.m., the search operations were temporarily halted due to diminishing daylight conditions. Unfortunately, no debris, survivors, or remains were recovered throughout the day’s search efforts. However, divers established a secure diving perimeter around a suspected crash site, which is scheduled for further exploration. The depth of the perimeter is estimated to be between 40-50 meters, and additional equipment and resources will be mobilized to enhance ongoing search efforts.