The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) wishes to clarify the misinformation concerning the ongoing recovery operations for the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, which crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
Contrary to reports suggesting that five bodies have been recovered, the country’s Safety bureau wishes to states that only three bodies were retrieved on the day of the incident while efforts to locate the remaining individuals continued the following day – October 25, 2024,
In a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,
Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji notes that two additional bodies were located by divers, but due to strong ocean currents and limited visibility, these bodies could not be retrieved at that time.
The Nigerian Safety Bureau however maintained that recovery of the remaining persons onboard remains a top priority for the amalgamated search, rescue and recovery team explaining that the bureau has deployed its Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to the site, equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to enhance visibility and precision in this deep-water environment.
The ROV is expected to facilitate detailed inspection, enable targeted retrieval operations, and assist in gathering vital evidence that will support investigation into the incident.
