The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced that they have recovered the fourth body of a victim from the Port Harcourt helicopter crash.
NSIB spokesperson Bimbo Oladeji, in a statement on Sunday, said, “A floating body was retrieved from the water and was escorted by the Cameroonian Navy to NUIMS Antan for safe transit through their territorial waters.
“Field operations identified the body by confirming the T-shirt worn matched the description provided. Although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity as the fourth victim.”
The chopper, with registration number 5NBQG, operated by East Wind Aviation, was contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The helicopter crashed along the waterways in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at 11:22 a.m. after taking off from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.
Three out of the eight bodies confirmed to be aboard the helicopter were recovered on the day of the tragedy.
According to the NSIB, there is a joint search, rescue and recovery team working tirelessly to recover more bodies.
The agency stated that collaborative efforts are vital for facilitating a comprehensive and effective recovery process and collecting the necessary evidence to support the investigation.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the Director General of the NSIB, expressed gratitude for the joint support.
He said, “We are grateful for the coordinated support of national and international partners working alongside us in this challenging environment. Our thoughts remain with the families of those affected, and we are dedicated to gathering the essential information to provide clarity and closure.”