48 hours after helicopter crash, three passengers still missing — NSIB

More than 48 hours after a helicopter crashed in Port Harcourt area of Rivers State, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has reported that the debris of the chopper and the three remaining passengers have not been found.

In a statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, stated that as of 07:30 am local time, rescue teams resumed search operations in line with global best practices, but left the scene the same day without finding anything.

According to the bureau, the search area was expanded as part of ongoing efforts to locate debris or signs of survivors.

On Thursday, a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration number 5NBQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed on its way to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. There were eight persons on board (six passengers and two crew members).

The NSIB, which has commenced an investigation of the incident, stated that rescue operations continued to explore the possibility of survivors.

The statement reads in part: “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 and Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development representatives arrived at the Nuim Antan facility at 11:30 AM local time. Investigators conducted interviews with relevant staff to gather information pertinent to the ongoing investigation. The investigative team completed their on-site interviews and departed the FPSO by 3:24 PM.

“At approximately 6:15 PM, search operations were suspended due to diminishing daylight. Unfortunately, no debris, survivors, or bodies were recovered during the day’s search. However, the divers successfully established a secure diving perimeter at an expected location of the wreck, which will guide the operations planned for tomorrow. The perimeter depth has been measured at 40-50 meters, and additional diving equipment and resources will be deployed to aid in the continuation of these efforts.”