Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced on Sunday that the fourth body of a victim from the Port Harcourt helicopter crash has been recovered.
NSIB spokesperson Bimbo Oladeji stated, “A floating body was retrieved from the water and was escorted by the Cameroonian Navy to NUIMS Antan, for safe transit through their territorial waters.”
Oladeji further explained, “field operations identified the body by confirming the T-shirt worn matched the description provided. Although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity as the fourth victim.”
The aircraft, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The helicopter crashed at 11:22 a.m. on Thursday while travelling along the waterways in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after taking off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
Initially, eight persons were confirmed to be on board, with three bodies recovered on the day of the tragedy.
The NSIB reported that it has been actively collaborating with a joint search, rescue, and recovery team, as well as various supporting agencies, which are essential for ensuring a thorough recovery process and gathering critical evidence for the investigation.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the Director General of the NSIB, expressed gratitude for the coordinated support from national and international partners involved in the efforts.
He stated that the agency remains focused on gathering essential information to provide clarity and closure for the families affected by the incident.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, expressed gratitude for the support received, saying, “We are grateful for the coordinated support of national and international partners working alongside us in this challenging environment. Our thoughts remain with the families of those affected, and we are dedicated to gathering the essential information to provide clarity and closure.”