Following the ditching incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by East Wind Aviation, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has recovered another body, bringing the total bodies recovered to four.
NSIB stated that at exactly 4:00 PM a floating body was retrieved from the water by the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC), and was escorted by the Cameroonian Navy to NUIMS Antan, for safe transit through their territorial waters.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said by 6:44 PM, field operations identified the body by confirming that the T-shirt worn matched the description provided.
Oladeji said although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity as the fourth victim.
The statement reads: “By 6:50 PM, Eastwind Aviation was contacted to arrange an air ambulance for transporting the body tomorrow morning, with Eastwind actively coordinating this effort. By 7:05 PM: Antan Security informed the Port Harcourt Marine Police to prepare for receiving the body from the air ambulance.
“The NSIB is actively collaborating with a joint search, rescue, and recovery team, as well as various supporting agencies. These combined efforts are essential for ensuring a thorough and efficient recovery process and for gathering critical evidence to aid the investigation”.