The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the recovery of the tail boom of the ill-fated helicopter which ditched in the Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The NSIB announced this in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, on Thursday night.

It would be recalled that the helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation had eight individuals on board when it crashed near Bonny Finima in Port Harcourt on October 24, 2024.

Oladeji disclosed that the tail boom 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 recovers 5th body from Rivers helicopter crash

She quoted the NSIB’s Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh, as commending the teamwork and cooperation among parties involved in the search and recovery efforts.

Badeh said: “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.”

No fewer than five bodies out of the eight individuals on board have been recovered.

The Star