CITIZENS COMPASS – The wreckage of the crashed helicopter that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN has been found.
It was found on Thursday.
This was disclosed by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in an announcement.
NSIB said it found the wreckage in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the announcement made by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, the Agency said that its allied team and partners led the charge for the search and recovery efforts of the ditched Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG.
It said, “The wreckage was identified approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon. It was located at a depth of 42 meters, with coordinates registered at Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E. Preparations are currently underway for the helicopter’s recovery to support further investigation.”
The Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, said, “Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in our efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
“The dedication and cooperation shown by all involved parties have been exceptional, and we are determined to conduct a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure to the families of those affected,” he added while commending the search team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts.
Citizens Compass reported that eight passengers including crew members were onboard of the helicopter when it crashed in Port Hacourt, Rivers State.
Three bodies were recovered the day after while more bodies were later recovered.
