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• As search and rescue operations continue
By Jane Otu, South-South Correspondent
DAILY COURIER- The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the tragic crash of a Sikorsky SK76c helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation, which plunged into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny, Rivers State, on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The helicopter, with registration number 5N-BQG, was en route to the NNPC’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, NUIMS Antan, carrying eight individuals: six passengers and two crew members.
According to the NSIB, the helicopter took off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) and was on a routine flight to an offshore oil facility when it lost contact with air traffic controllers at approximately 10:52 a.m., just minutes before the crash, which occurred around 11:22 a.m. No distress signal was transmitted by the aircraft’s Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), prompting authorities to manually plot its location and deploy search and rescue teams.
In an official statement, Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, confirmed that search and rescue efforts were activated immediately. So far, three bodies have been recovered as rescue teams from various agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Armed Forces, continue their efforts to locate survivors.
The Director-General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., assured the public that the Bureau is committed to thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. A go-team has been dispatched to the crash site to gather evidence and analyze the sequence of events that led to the fatal incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic incident. We are fully committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident,” Badeh Jr. stated. He emphasized that the investigation would be conducted with transparency, and a preliminary report would be released in due course.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, in a separate press release signed by Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye, confirmed that the ill-fated helicopter was engaged by the NNPC for transportation to its FPSO unit. Soneye reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the search and rescue mission, pledging to keep the public informed as the situation develops.
“We lost contact with the helicopter at about 11:22 a.m., and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to locate the missing individuals. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their families at this difficult time,” Soneye said.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation, allowing the proper investigative channels to function and provide clarity on the cause of the accident. The recovery efforts are ongoing, with neighboring aerodromes, military units, and low-flying aircraft assisting in the search.
This crash marks a significant aviation incident in Nigeria's oil-rich South-South region, and its outcome will likely impact the safety protocols and procedures of offshore aviation operations in the country.
