Helicopter Wreckage Found in Rivers State, NNPCL Staff Feared Dead

Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Locates Helicopter Wreckage in Atlantic Ocean.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) located the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on October 24. The helicopter carried eight NNPCL workers from Port Harcourt.

The NSIB's Director of Public Affairs, Bimbo Oladeji, disclosed this in a statement on October 31. Five bodies were recovered during an eight-day search by multiple agencies. Three passengers remain unaccounted for.

The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter (5N BQG) wreckage discovery marks progress in the investigation.

“The wreckage was found approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon, at a depth of 42 meters. Its coordinates are Latitude 04° 13.634' N and Longitude 008° 19.442' E. Preparations are underway for the helicopter's recovery to aid in further investigation,” NSIB said.

Captain Alex Badeh, Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), commended the search team and partners for their tireless efforts in locating the wreckage of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on October 24.

“Finding the wreckage is a crucial milestone in our efforts to comprehend the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident,” he stated.

“The commitment and collaboration demonstrated by everyone involved have been outstanding, and we are committed to carrying out a comprehensive investigation to bring clarity and closure to the families of those affected.”