The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered the wreckage of the Sikorsky helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean last week.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed on October 24, 2024, carrying eight individuals onboard.
According to NSIB, the wreckage was identified during recovery dives last night, approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon, at a depth of 42 meters. The coordinates of the wreckage are Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E.
In a significant development, the tail boom of the helicopter has already been successfully retrieved and lifted from the water today.
The recovery efforts are ongoing, with NSIB working closely with national and international partners to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragic accident.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of NSIB, commended the allied team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts, saying, “Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in our efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident”.
He added, “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.”
