The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has disclosed that despite extensive search efforts, no wreckage or critical components – such as the black box, Flight Data Recorder (FDR), or Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – have yet been located.
The safety bureau said it’s inability to recover these components is due to the challenging conditions of the operating environment, limited visibility at depth and human divers’ operational constraints.
In a statement signed by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB said its recovery operation and investigation into the ditching of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation continues.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 24, 2024, involved eight persons onboard and took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
“As of 11:55 AM on Saturday, divers began setting up and checking equipment to conduct an underwater search and recovery, followed by preliminary sweeping operations at 2:15 PM.
“However, by 4:30 PM on Saturday, diving activities were suspended due to the loss of daylight. Recovery operations are set to resume tomorrow at 9:00 AM local time,” Oladeji stated.
To enhance recovery efforts, she said the NSIB is working to deploy a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipped to operate at depths of up to 1,000 meters.
“With its advanced cameras, sensors, and Tether Management System (TMS), the ROV will enable the NSIB team to conduct detailed surveys, collect environmental data, and capture critical evidence essential to understanding the cause of the incident.
“The ROV’s capacity for close inspections and light manipulation tasks will be invaluable in such deep-water environments, where it will aid in assessing wreckage conditions, gathering vital data, and developing insights into potential causes,” she added.
Alex Badeh Director General of the NSIB, further expressed his sympathies to the loved ones of those affected, stating, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the crew and passengers involved in this tragic event. We recognize the depth of this loss, and I assure you that all efforts are fully underway. Our priority is to recover and analyze all necessary data to bring clarity to the families and the nation.”
He said the NSIB is collaborating closely with an amalgamated team of search, rescue, and recovery units comprising various government agencies and private entities.
“The Bureau urges the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing the importance of respecting the integrity of the recovery and investigation as they progress,” he added.
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