The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has ramped up its recovery operations and investigations following the ditching of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation. The incident occurred on October 24, 2024, off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, involving eight individuals onboard.
As of today, the NSIB has provided significant updates on the ongoing recovery efforts:
• 9:35 AM: The HD Steadfast vessel identified a body in the water, prompting immediate recovery actions with the deployment of a Fast Rescue Craft (FRC).
• 9:40 AM: Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to develop an evacuation plan.
• 9:55 AM: Eastwind Aviation was consulted about potential air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation.
• 10:40 AM: A drone was deployed by HD Steadfast for an extended aerial search to locate additional bodies or debris.
• 10:45 AM: Sea conditions posed challenges for the FRC crew, but with coordination from HD Steadfast, a crane was successfully used to retrieve the body and transfer it to the FPSO deck.
• 10:49 AM: After Eastwind notified the NSIB that air ambulance providers were unavailable, the Nigerian Navy was engaged for logistical support.
• 11:15 AM: The FRC successfully retrieved the body and prepared it for transfer.
• 11:41 AM: Investigators began the identification process; although the body lacked clothing, specific characteristics were assessed for identification.
• 12:49 PM: The Nigerian Navy was contacted to assist in evacuating the body to land.
• 1:08 PM: Eastwind Aviation provided crew photographs to assist with identification, which were sent to the field superintendent and Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) for verification.
• 2:44 PM: A mortician arrived at the Nigerian Air Force base to assist with the transportation of the remains.
• 8:00 PM: Divers found fragments of clean fiberglass and aluminum, likely from the helicopter, guiding the NSIB in adjusting search operations.
The ongoing seabed and surface searches have seen divers thoroughly exploring the crash site, aided by calculations of tidal flow direction and strength. The helicopter is believed to have entered the water approximately 1,850 meters west of the initial recovery area, leading to adjustments in the search grid. Despite these efforts, no signals from the locator beacon have been detected at the new position. The search team is now focusing closer to the FPSO, where previous beacon signals were identified.
The NSIB has also mobilized two vessels equipped with side-scan sonar to expand the search area, with four additional sonar units expected to arrive from Port Harcourt for deployment tomorrow.
To date, five bodies have been recovered, with the fifth requiring specialized handling due to its decomposed state before transport to the morgue.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, praised the collaborative recovery efforts, stating, “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.”
The NSIB continues to work closely with national and international partners to ensure a thorough and diligent recovery and investigative process, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing transportation safety across Nigeria.
