Helicopter Crash: Three passengers still missing, search still ongoing — NSIB

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has reported that neither the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, nor the three remaining passengers have been found.

In a statement, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, confirmed that search operations resumed at 7:30 a.m. local time, adhering to international standards. However, by the end of the day, rescue teams departed the site with no discoveries.

The bureau noted that the search area was expanded as part of ongoing efforts to find any debris or possible survivors.

The incident took place on Thursday, involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by Eastwind Aviation, which crashed en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was carrying eight people: six passengers and two crew members.

The NSIB, which has launched an investigation into the crash, emphasized that search operations are ongoing in hopes of finding survivors.

The statement reads, “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, alongside Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development representatives, reached the Nuim Antan facility by 11:30 a.m. local time. Investigators conducted interviews with relevant personnel to gather information crucial to the investigation. The team completed their interviews. The team completed their interviews and left the FPSO by 3:24 p.m.

At approximately 6:15 p.m., search operations were paused due to limited daylight. Regrettably, no debris, survivors, or remains were recovered during the day’s search. However, divers established a secure diving perimeter at a suspected crash location, planned for further exploration. The depth of the perimeter is estimated at 40-50 meters, and additional equipment and resources will be deployed to aid the continued search efforts.”