By Gbenga Ojikutu
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has found the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed last Thursday into the Atlantic Ocean while conveying workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Limited from Port Harcourt.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, on Thursday.
The helicopter had recently crashed into the Atlantic Ocean with eight passengers and crew.
While five bodies had been recovered, three other passengers were still missing.
The bodies were retrieved from the ocean on separate days within eight days of search by a coalition of agencies.
In the statement, the NSIB announced that the allied team and partners leading the charge for the search and recovery efforts of the ditched Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, had located its wreckage.
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, commended the search team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts.
He 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.”
