JUST IN: Keyamo confirms recovery of fourth body from Rivers helicopter crash

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed the recovery of another body from last Thursday’s helicopter crash in the Atlantic Ocean.

This announcement came barely seven hours after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau debunked earlier reports claiming that two bodies had been found.

In a statement on his X account, Keyamo revealed that the NSIB notified him on Sunday of the recovery of one more lifeless body, identified as a victim of the Eastwind Aviation helicopter crash.

“An additional body was confirmed by matching the T-shirt worn to the description provided. Although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity as the fourth victim,” Keyamo said.

According to the NSIB, the field operations team identified the body by a distinct T-shirt, verified with photographic evidence as belonging to the fourth victim.

The tragic incident involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, with registration number 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, which crashed with eight people onboard, including two crew members and six officials from the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited.

While three bodies were initially recovered on the day of the crash, the recent discovery raises the total number of recovered bodies to four.

The NSIB disclosed that arrangements have been made with Eastwind Aviation to deploy an air ambulance for the body’s transport on Monday.

The bureau added that Antan Security had informed the Port Harcourt Marine Police to prepare for the arrival of the body.

NSIB Director General, Capt. Alex Badeh, commended the joint search, rescue, and recovery team, as well as international partners, for their collaborative efforts.

“We appreciate the coordinated support of our national and international partners in this challenging environment. Our thoughts remain with the families of those affected, and we remain committed to gathering vital information to provide clarity and closure,” Badeh stated.

The NSIB assured the public of its dedication to transparency in the ongoing investigation and furthering transportation safety in Nigeria.