THE Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it had yet to recover the debris of the chopper that crashed in Port Harcourt on Thursday, October 24.
The NSIB disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, October 26, signed by its director of public affairs and family assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, adding that no sign of survivors was found.
According to the statement, a team of NSIB aviation safety investigators and ministry of aviation and aerospace development representatives arrived at the Nuim Antan facility at 11:30 a.m. local time.
“Investigators conducted interviews with relevant staff to gather information pertinent to the ongoing investigation. The investigative team completed their on-site interviews and departed the FPSO by 3:24 PM.
“At approximately 6:15 PM, search operations were suspended due to diminishing daylight. Unfortunately, no debris, survivors, or bodies were recovered during the day’s search,” it said.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76, with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt military base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig when it crashed.
A statement from the aviation and aerospace development ministry confirmed three persons dead in the helicopter crash, The ICIR reported.
The incident occurred at about 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
The aircraft, having eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, the ministry confirmed.
However, in its statement on Saturday, the NSIB said the rescue team has yet to locate the debris from the helicopter or signs of survivors.
It, however, hinted that divers had successfully established a secured diving perimeter at an expected location of the wreck, which will guide the operations’ further search.
It said the perimeter depth has been measured at 40-50 meters, and additional diving equipment and resources will be deployed to aid in the continuation of its search.
“We acknowledge the tireless efforts of the amalgamated rescue teams and supporting partners. We will continue these operations with every resource necessary and appreciate the cooperation and patience of all stakeholders involved,” its director general, Alex Badeh, added in the statement.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had on Thursday identified its officials as being onboard the crashed helicopter.