NEWS RELEASE

SEARCH AND RECOVERY TEAM LOCATES WRECKAGE OF DITCHED SIKORSKY SK76 HELICOPTER

[Abuja, Nigeria, October 31, 2024]

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announces that the allied team and partners leading the charge for the search and recovery efforts of the ditched Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, have located its wreckage. The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, carried eight individuals onboard and ditched in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024.
The wreckage was identified during last night’s recovery dives, 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. 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.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of NSIB, commended the allied team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts: “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.”
Further recovery efforts for the wreckage are underway, and additional updates will be provided as they become available.
NSIB remains committed to working closely with national and international partners to carry out the recovery and investigative process in line with its mandate to enhance transportation safety in Nigeria.

Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,
Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau

###

About NSIB: The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is the multimodal transport agency charged with the mandate of promoting transport safety and conducting objective, thorough, and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria with the aim of identifying the probable causes and advocating for safety improvements based on our findings.

For further enquiries or media requests, please contact NSIB through info@nsib.gov.ng and NSIB_Nigeria on its social media platforms. The Bureau can also be reached on its emergency line +234-807-709-0909.

Download this Publication => “2024.pdf