The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the recovery of the tail boom of the ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 helicopter which ditched in the Atlantic Ocean, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The NSIB in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji on Thursday, October 31, 2024, said the helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation.
With a total of eight people on board, the ill-fated helicopter crashed near Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt on October 24.
According to NSIB’s statement, the tail boom which was identified during recovery dives approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon, at a depth of 42 meters, with coordinates Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E.
NSIB’s Director General, Alex Badeh commended the teamwork and cooperation among parties involved in the search and recovery efforts.
“Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
“We are determined to conduct a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure to the families of those affected,” Mr Badeh said.
Recall that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo had confirmed the recovery of five bodies out of the eight individuals on board have been recovered.
