More than 48 hours after a helicopter crash near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reports that no debris or trace of the three missing individuals has been found.
The incident, involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation, has prompted an extensive search and rescue operation.
In a statement released on Saturday, Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, confirmed that search teams resumed operations early in the morning but left the site without any findings.
“As of 07:30 AM local time, rescue teams resumed search operations in line with global best practices, but unfortunately, no debris or survivors were located,” the statement read.
The helicopter, registered as 5NBQG, crashed while en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN, carrying eight individuals: six passengers and two crew members.
The NSIB has initiated an investigation into the incident and has expanded the search area in hopes of locating signs of the missing persons or debris from the wreckage.
According to the NSIB, a team of investigators arrived at the NUIMS ANTAN facility at 11:30 AM local time to conduct interviews with relevant personnel and gather information essential to the investigation.
The on-site interviews were completed by 3:24 PM, but as daylight diminished, search operations were suspended around 6:15 PM without any recovery of debris or bodies.
“Divers have successfully established a secured diving perimeter at a suspected wreck location, with depths ranging from 40 to 50 meters,” Oladeji noted.
Additional diving equipment and resources will be deployed to assist in ongoing recovery efforts.
Captain Alex Badeh, Director General of the NSIB, praised the dedicated work of the rescue teams and emphasized the commitment to using all available resources for the operation.
He also expressed gratitude for the cooperation and patience of all stakeholders involved in the search.
As the investigation continues, families and the public await further updates regarding the fate of those on board the helicopter.
The NSIB remains focused on ensuring a thorough investigation and recovery operation.
