Wreckage of crashed helicopter located in Atlantic Ocean — NSIB

One week after a Sikorsky helicopter belonging to Eastwind Aviation with eight people onboard plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima in Rivers State, the wreckage of the crashed helicopter has finally been found.

According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on Thursday night, the allied team and partners leading the charge for the search and recovery efforts of the ditched Sikorsky SK76 helicopter located its wreckage after identifying it during last night’s recovery dives.

In the statement announcing the discovery of the wreckage, NSIB declared that the wreckage was located “At 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.

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The director general of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr, commended the allied team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts:

His words: “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.”

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