The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered the fifth body in the ditching accident involving Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.

As at today Wednesday October 30th, a total of five bodies have been recovered by the NSIB and their team, while the fifth body requires specialised handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue.

It will recalled that the accident, which occurred on October 24, 2024, took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. and involved eight individuals onboard.

A statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said the recovery actions were initiated by deploying the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for retrieval of the body.

According to Mrs Oladeji: “Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan. Eastwind Aviation was contacted to explore possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation. HD Steadfast deployed a drone to conduct an extended aerial search of the area to locate additional floating objects or bodies. Sea conditions presented challenges to the FRC crew for recovery.
Coordination with HD Steadfast allowed the team to use its crane to retrieve the body safely and transfer it to the FPSO deck, despite inclement weather. Following Eastwind’s notification that air ambulance providers were unavailable, NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support.

She continued that: “The body was successfully retrieved by the FRC and prepared for transfer to the FPSO deck.11:41 AM: An identification process commenced; while no clothing was found on the body, investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation. The Nigerian Navy was contacted to assist with body evacuation to land. Eastwind Aviation provided crew photographs to support physical identification, which were forwarded to the field superintendent and Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) for verification. The mortician arrived at the Nigerian Air Force base and was escorted to the Navy base by the Antan Flight Coordinator to prepare for the transport of the remains. Divers encountered fragments of clean fibreglass and aluminium, likely from the aircraft. These findings will guide the search grid’s adjustments as NSIB aims to intensify recovery operations within the accident vicinity”.

Oladeji said divers have remained active on the seabed, conducting a thorough sweep based on recent information about the crash site’s possible location.

She noted that calculations incorporating tidal flow direction, strength, and timing indicate the helicopter likely entered the water approximately 1,850 meters west of the initial body recovery area.

Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB stated further that the search was relocated accordingly, but no signal from the locator beacon was detected at this position.

She maintained that the team has since moved closer to the FPSO, where beacon signals were previously received while NSIB has mobilised two vessels equipped with side-scan sonar to broaden the search range.

Oladeji explained that four additional side-scan sonar units are en route from Port Harcourt and will be deployed tomorrow morning to enhance search coverage. A total of five bodies were located and recovered today, though the fifth body requires specialized handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue

Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., commended the collaborative efforts underway, stating: “The recovery operation presents unique challenges due to the environmental conditions, but our team and partners are dedicated to bringing this mission to completion with utmost professionalism and care. We are grateful for the coordinated support from everyone involved in this recovery effort, including the Nigerian Navy, in ensuring a respectful recovery process. Our primary objective remains to uncover information that will fully explain the circumstances of this accident, and our thoughts continue to be with the families affected.”

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has continued to work in close coordination with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process in line with its mandate to promote transportation safety across Nigeria.