The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it is deploying advanced equipment to continue its recovery operation and investigation into the crashing of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG.
The airline, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed on Thursday, October 24, 2024, with eight persons onboard.
Since the crash which took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, only three bodies have been recovered, according to government authorities.
The bureau said by 11:55 AM on Saturday, divers began setting up and checking equipment to conduct an underwater search and recovery, followed by preliminary sweeping operations at 2:15 PM.
NSIB said, “Despite extensive search efforts, no wreckage or critical components – such as the black box, Flight Data Recorder (FDR), or Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – have yet been located due to the challenging conditions of the operating environment, limited visibility at depth and human divers’ operational constraints.”
However, the bureau has pledged to intensify its efforts by deploying the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).
It said, “To enhance recovery efforts, the NSIB is working to deploy a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipped to operate at depths of up to 1,000 meters. With its advanced cameras, sensors, and Tether Management System (TMS), the ROV will enable the NSIB team to conduct detailed surveys, collect environmental data, and capture critical evidence essential to understanding the cause of the incident.
“The ROV’s capacity for close inspections and light manipulation tasks will be invaluable in such deep-water environments, where it will aid in assessing wreckage conditions, gathering vital data, and developing insights into potential causes.”
Speaking on the incident, the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed condoled with the bereaved families.
Badah said, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the crew and passengers involved in this tragic event. We recognize the depth of this loss, and I assure you that all efforts are fully underway. Our priority is to recover and analyze all necessary data to bring clarity to the families and the nation.”
The NSIB said further that it is working closely with an amalgamated team of search, rescue, and recovery units comprising various government agencies and private entities.