Rivers Helicopter Crash: Search Efforts Continue, As NSIB To Deploy Additional Diving Equipment

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has continued its investigation into the October 24 crash of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Despite extensive search efforts on October 25, no debris, survivors or additional bodies were recovered, beyond the three bodies found on October 24. Eight people are feared dead, the bureau said on Saturday.

The NSIB Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, said in a statement, said that divers have established a secured diving perimeter at the expected wreck location, measuring 40-50 meters deep, to guide further operations.

She said that additional diving equipment and resources will be deployed to aid the ongoing efforts.

The NSIB is working closely with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to gather information and conduct interviews with relevant staff.

The helicopter lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52 am on October 24 and crashed at 11:22 am. It was operating under Visual Flight Rules and did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter signal, prompting manual plotting of the accident’s location.

Oladeji quoted the Director General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., as saying that they will continue the search and recovery operations with every necessary resource.

“In line with global best practices, we are providing an update on the ongoing search and recovery efforts following the October 24, 2024, ditching incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation.

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The incident occurred near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Port Harcourt. Rescue operations commenced shortly after, with teams continuing to work extensively to locate the helicopter and any signs of survivors.

“On the morning of October 25, 2024, at 07:30 AM local time, rescue teams resumed search operations. The search area was expanded as part of ongoing efforts to locate debris or signs of survivors.

“A team of NSIB Aviation Safety Investigators and Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development representatives arrived at the Nuim Antan facility at 11:30 am local time. Investigators conducted interviews with relevant staff to gather information pertinent to the ongoing investigation. The investigative team completed their on-site interviews and departed the FPSO by 3:24 pm.

“At approximately 6:15 pm, search operations were suspended due to diminishing daylight. Unfortunately, no debris, survivors, or bodies were recovered during the day’s search.

“However, the divers successfully established a secured diving perimeter at an expected location of the wreck, which will guide the operations planned for tomorrow.

“The perimeter depth has been measured at 40-50 meters, and additional diving equipment and resources will be deployed to aid in the continuation of these efforts.

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“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau remains committed to providing timely updates as the investigation advances and to conducting a thorough and transparent analysis of the incident. Further details will be released as they become available,” Oladeji said.