BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has punctured false narratives suggesting that five bodies have been recovered from the ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration number 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation that crashed last Thursday.
In a statement, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB maintained that contrary to reports of five bodies being recovered, only three bodies were retrieved on the day of the incident.
She added that recovery operations continued on October 25, 2024, resulting in the location of two additional bodies by divers.
However, due to strong ocean currents and limited visibility, these bodies could not be retrieved at that time.
She explained that the search and recovery team remains focused on locating all individuals involved in the incident.
According to her, the NSIB is deploying a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to bolster recovery efforts.
The high-tech equipment, she stressed, will improve visibility and precision in the challenging deep-water environment, facilitating detailed inspections and targeted retrieval operations while assisting in the collection of vital evidence for the ongoing investigation.
She maintained that Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, reiterated the Bureau’s strong commitment to recovery and investigation efforts: “The NSIB, alongside our partners, is fully committed to locating and recovering all individuals and critical components from this unfortunate accident. Our team is working tirelessly to manage the challenging conditions.
“We remain dedicated to a thorough investigation that will provide clear answers for the families, loved ones, and the nation.”
She said the NSIB’s investigation is progressing smoothly with the support of a joint team comprising government agencies and private partners.
The Bureau urges the public to refrain from speculation, which can hinder and distract from the critical recovery and investigation processes.
Updates regarding the progress of recovery operations and investigative findings will be shared as soon as verified information becomes available.
The chopper ditched into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on Thursday, October 24, 2024, with eight individuals on board.
