The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the recovery of the fifth body from the helicopter crash that occurred in the Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on October 24, 2024.

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

Oladeji said the bureau continued its coordinated recovery operation and investigation following the ditching of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation.

She noted that five bodies have so far been recovered, saying the fifth body recovered on Wednesday required specialised handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue.

She quoted the Director-General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh, as saying that the bureau would continue to collaborate with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process.

4 PENGASSAN members die in Rivers helicopter crash

Badeh said the investigation process would be in line with NSIB’s mandate to promote transportation safety in Nigeria.

He stated: “The recovery operation presents unique challenges due to the environmental conditions, but our team and partners are dedicated to bringing this mission to completion with utmost professionalism and care.

“We are grateful for the coordinated support from everyone involved in this recovery effort, including the Nigerian Navy, in ensuring a respectful recovery process.

“Our primary objective remains to uncover information that will fully explain the circumstances of this accident, and our thoughts continue to be with the families affected.”

He added that the helicopter crash occurred off the Coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean and involved eight persons onboard.

The NSIB boss further stated that the bureau’s findings will guide the search grid’s adjustments, as the NSIB aims to intensify recovery operations within the accident vicinity.

The Star