Port Harcourt Helicopter Crash: NSIB Recovers Naked Body From Ocean, Examines Physical Characteristics To Confirm Identity
This development was contained in a press statement issued by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, agency’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance on Wednesday, adding that identification process immediately began.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the recovery of a naked body from the Atlantic Ocean six days after the crash involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter near Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
This development was contained in a press statement issued by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, agency’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance on Wednesday, adding that identification process immediately began.
The fatal crash occurred last Thursday morning near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Port Harcourt.
Eight persons (six passengers and two crew members) were confirmed to be on board the aircraft when the tragedy occurred.
The agency had earlier announced the recovery of at least five dead bodies from the tragedy, while efforts are being made to recover the rest.
The statement stated that no clothes were found on the recovered body but investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation.
The statement reads: “09:35 AM: HD Steadfast vessel identified a body in the water. Recovery actions were initiated by deploying the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for retrieval of the body.
“09:40 AM: Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan. 09:55 AM, Eastwind Aviation was contacted to explore possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation. 10:40 AM: HD Steadfast deployed a drone to conduct an extended aerial search of the area to locate additional floating objects or bodies.
“10:45 AM: Sea conditions presented challenges to the FRC crew for recovery. Coordination with HD Steadfast allowed the team to use its crane to retrieve the body safely and transfer it to the FPSO deck, despite inclement weather.
“10:49 AM: Following Eastwind’s notification that air ambulance providers were unavailable, NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support.
“11:15 AM: The body was successfully retrieved by the FRC and prepared for transfer to the FPSO deck.
“11:41 AM: An identification process commenced; while no clothing was found on the body, investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation.”
At this point, the agency said it contacted the Nigerian Navy for assistance for body evacuation.
The statement added that Eastwind Aviation also provided crew photographs to support physical identification, which were forwarded to the field superintendent and Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) for verification.
The statement continued: “2:44 PM: The mortician arrived at the Nigerian Air Force base and was escorted to the Navy base by the AntanFlight Coordinator to prepare for the transport of the remains.
“8:00 PM: Divers encountered fragments of clean fibreglass and aluminium, likely from the aircraft. These findings will guide the search grid’s adjustments as NSIB aims to intensify recovery operations within the accident vicinity.”
