Rivers Helicopter crash: Chopper’s wreakage located – NSIB

Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has disclosed that the teams leading the search of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, that crashed in Port Harcourt last week have located the chopper’s wreckage.

NSIB stated that the wreckage was identified during last night’s (Wednesday) recovery dives, approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon.

Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, in a statement, said the wreckage was located at a depth of 42 metres, with coordinates registered at Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E.

Oladeji stated: “Efforts are currently underway for the recovery of the helicopter’s wreckage. The tail boom of the helicopter has already been successfully retrieved and lifted from the water today.”

Quoting Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., who commended the allied team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts, the statement added: “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.”