2 more bodies recovered from Port Harcourt helicopter crash – NSIB
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has reported that two additional bodies were found at the site of the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, bringing the total recovered to five.
This helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation with registration 5N-BQG, crashed on Thursday, carrying eight individuals — six passengers and two crew members. The accident occurred while the helicopter was flying from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
Initial Details and Investigation Efforts
The crash initially confirmed three fatalities, but following extensive search efforts, two more bodies were recovered. According to NSIB Director General Alex Badeh, who appeared on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily,” investigators are now focusing on retrieving the remaining three missing individuals.
While answering questions about the likelihood of survivors, Badeh expressed that, although unlikely, there remains a “chance” some passengers could still be alive if they had access to life-support devices. He noted the resilience of human life and suggested that the investigation would continue to explore all possibilities.
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Environmental Conditions and Cause of Crash
Badeh pointed out that weather conditions, including light to moderate rainfall and overcast skies, might have influenced the crash. He noted, however, that the official cause remains unknown, pending recovery of the flight recorder and further witness interviews.
The helicopter went down around 11:22 a.m. on Thursday, about a kilometer from its intended destination. It crashed along the waterways in Port Harcourt, after departing the Port Harcourt Military Base, en route to the NNPCL-operated oil rig. The NSIB is leading the investigation, with authorities expected to examine multiple potential causes, including environmental and mechanical factors.
Federal and Local Government Response
In response to the crash, the Rivers State Police Command released a statement indicating that “all eight persons onboard are feared dead.” They are collaborating with other agencies, including the Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command, to recover the aircraft and any remaining occupants.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also directed officials to intensify recovery and investigation efforts. Expressing his condolences, he extended his sympathies to the families of the victims and to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which had engaged the helicopter for transport.
On-the-Ground Efforts and Outlook
While authorities continue recovery efforts, officials emphasized the need to carefully examine every factor surrounding the incident. Badeh highlighted that the wreckage will be meticulously analyzed, including data from the flight recorder, which may provide insight into the helicopter’s final moments before the crash.
The nation awaits further details as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident. Meanwhile, rescue and recovery operations continue, with updates expected over the next few days.
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