The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has reported the recovery of two additional bodies from the recent helicopter crash in Port Harcourt. Read the latest updates on the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced the recovery of two additional bodies from the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter crash site in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
Three people were confirmed dead following the crash on Thursday. There were eight individuals (six passengers and two crew members) aboard the aircraft when the incident occurred.
Just a day after the crash, the NSIB announced that additional bodies have been recovered, but three individuals are still missing.
“We have found two additional bodies, bringing the total to five,” stated Alex Badeh, Director General of NSIB, on Friday’s episode of Channels Television’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily. “There are three more down there that we hope to recover today.”
When questioned about the possibility that no one on board the aircraft survived the crash, Badeh stated, “Regrettably, at this time, that is our working theory.”
He stated that investigators are en route to the accident scene and mentioned that recovering the aircraft wreckage could take several days.
‘It’s Possible We Could Discover Survivors’
He stated, “The priority is to recover the remaining bodies,” but acknowledged there is a “chance” that some individuals on board may still be alive.
“Human beings have remarkable resilience. With their life support devices in place, there’s a possibility we may discover survivors there,” Badeh stated.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Orders Military to Intensify Search and Join Helicopter Crash Rescue Efforts
The helicopter, registered as 5N-BQG and operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed just one kilometre from its destination. It was contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Around 11:22 am, it crashed along the waterways in the capital of Rivers State shortly after departing from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
The cause of the incident remains unclear at this time, but Badeh noted that there was some light and moderate rain upon their arrival, along with overcast conditions. He mentioned they would investigate these factors as they might have played a role in the incident.
“Beyond that, I can’t provide further details until we retrieve the flight recorder and interview more witnesses present at the scene.”
Tinubu in Mourning as Search Efforts Intensify
According to police authorities in Rivers State, it is possible that all eight individuals on board the aircraft perished in the incident.
“The Rivers State Police Command stated on Friday that all eight individuals onboard are feared dead.”
The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is working alongside other agencies to retrieve both the aircraft and its occupants.
In response to the crash, President Bola Tinubu directed authorities to ramp up their efforts in the rescue mission.
He also expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and the NNPCL regarding the crash.
