The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the recovery of five bodies following the ditching of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.
The accident, which occurred on October 24, 2024, took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, with eight individuals onboard.
NSIB’s director-general, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. praised the collaborative efforts of various agencies involved in the recovery operation. In a statement by director of public affairs and family assistance at NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji the bureau provided a detailed timeline of recovery activities:
– 09:35 AM: The ‘HD Steadfast’ vessel identified a body in the water, initiating recovery actions with the fast rescue craft (FRC).
– 09:40 AM: Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to plan the evacuation.
– 09:55 AM: Eastwind Aviation was approached to explore air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation.
– 10:40 AM: ‘HD Steadfast’ deployed a drone for an extended aerial search to locate additional bodies or floating debris.
– 10:45 AM: Due to challenging sea conditions, HD Steadfast used its crane to retrieve the body safely.
– 10:49 AM: NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support when air ambulance providers were unavailable.
– 11:41 AM: Identification procedures began as investigators examined the body.
– 12:49 PM: The Nigerian Navy assisted with the body’s evacuation to land.
– 8:00 PM: Divers discovered fragments of fiberglass and aluminum, believed to be from the aircraft, which will guide adjustments to the search grid.
Expanded Search Efforts
The search team continues thorough seabed and surface searches around the accident site. Calculations suggest the helicopter entered the water roughly 1,850 metres west of the initial recovery point. In response, NSIB has mobilised vessels equipped with side-scan sonar to broaden the search area, with four additional sonar units scheduled to join from Port Harcourt to enhance coverage.
Capt. Badeh acknowledged the environmental challenges of the operation but emphasised the commitment of NSIB and its partners to a respectful and thorough recovery process. “Our primary objective remains to uncover information that will fully explain the circumstances of this accident and our thoughts continue to be with the families affected,” he stated.
The NSIB is coordinating closely with national and international partners to ensure a comprehensive recovery and investigation in alignment with its mission to promote transportation safety across Nigeria.
