By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has located the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean last Thursday while transporting workers for the Nigerian National Petroleum Limited from Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, it was confirmed that the helicopter, which had eight passengers and crew members onboard, went down in the ocean. While five bodies have been recovered, three passengers remain missing.
The bodies were retrieved over several days during an eight-day search conducted by a coalition of agencies.
The NSIB announced that the search team has successfully identified the wreckage of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5N BQG, approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon, at a depth of 42 meters. The wreckage’s coordinates are Latitude 04° 13.634’ N and Longitude 008° 19.442’ E. Recovery efforts are now being planned to facilitate further investigation.
Captain Alex Badeh, the Director General of NSIB, praised the search team and partner agencies for their efforts. He stated, “Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in our investigation into this tragic accident. The dedication and cooperation of all involved have been exceptional, and we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure for the families of those affected.”