The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the recovery of two additional bodies from the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This brings the total number of recovered bodies to five, with three individuals still unaccounted for.
The crash occurred on Thursday when the helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation and engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), went down just one kilometer from its destination. Eight people, including six passengers and two crew members, were on board at the time of the incident.
Speaking on a televised interview, NSIB Director General Alex Badeh stated, “We have recovered two more bodies, making it a total of five. There are three more down there that hopefully will be recovered today.” When questioned about the possibility of survivors, Badeh acknowledged the grim outlook, saying, “Unfortunately, this time, that is the working theory.”
He noted that investigators are currently en route to the crash site, emphasizing that it could take several days to recover the aircraft’s wreckage. “The priority is to recover the rest of the bodies there,” he said, while also mentioning a “chance” that some individuals onboard might still be alive. “Human beings are resilient. As long as they have their life support devices, there is a chance we might find survivors.”
The helicopter, with registration 5N-BQG, crashed around 11:22 a.m. after taking off from the Port Harcourt Military Base, en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, Badeh noted the presence of light to moderate rain and overcast conditions at the time of arrival, which may have contributed to the incident. “We would look into that. That might have a chance or a role to play,” he added.
The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed fears that all eight individuals aboard may have perished in the crash, stating, “The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is cooperating with other agencies to recover the aircraft and the occupants.”
In response to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu has ordered an intensification of search efforts and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the NNPCL.
