The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Sunday said the black box of the helicopter carrying six oil workers, believed to be NNPCL staff, which crashed in Bonny on Thuraday October 24, has been found.
In a statement, NIMASA said working closely with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the NNPCL, HydroDive and other local and international search and rescue partners recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, with registration 5N BQG.
With the recovery of the black box, over 80% of the helicopter wreck had been recovered. Other items recovered, according to the maritime administrator include rotor, three blades, engine, gearbox, windows, cockpit overhead panels, the Electronic Locator, Transmitter (ELT) and the tail. All the recovered wreck is on a dump barge.
At least three people died when the helicopter crashed on its way to an offshore oil production facility, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, lost contact while flying from Port Harcourt to the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Antan oil production facility, NNPCL said in a statement on October 24.
It was carrying eight people, comprising six passengers and two crew members, according to the NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye.
NIMASA said it would share details of her findings from the ill-fated aircraft with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola while commenting on the incident, commended all organs of government for the swift, and well-coordinated inter Agency partnership for the search and recovery operations.
“In line with international maritime safety standards, NIMASA will report the findings about the helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean to the IMO via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System GISIS. By sharing the findings of the offshore Port Harcourt helicopter crash with the IMO, we at NIMASA demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation within the global maritime community,” Mobereola was quoted in the statement.
The GISIS is an online platform developed by the IMO to support the timely and accurate reporting of incidents, accidents, and other essential maritime data. This platform enables member states to share information crucial to improving safety protocols, updating best practices, and fostering international cooperation.
“NIMASA is committed to working closely with all relevantagenciess to determine the cause of the incident and to take all necessary steps to prevent future occurrences. As we mourn those lost, NIMASA reaffirms its dedication to the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain and the continued strengthening of inter-agency collaboration,” he added.
On October 24th 2024, NIMASA had received distress signals at the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, MRCC and the C4i center of the Deep Blue project and shared same with the Nigerian Navy who immediately deployed NIMASA’s specialized Search and rescue assets to the crash site to locate the downed aircraft and conduct recovery efforts under challenging conditions.
The helicopter crashed in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, at a distance of 1.4km from the starboard side of the Floating Producing Storage Offloading FPSO, NUIM ANTAN Producing Ltd owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Limited.
Meanwhile, the NIMASA boss has extended the agency’s heartfelt condolences to the NNPCL, the families of the victims, and all those affected by the tragic helicopter crash.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the NNPC, the families, and loved ones of those affected by this unfortunate incident. Safety is a paramount commitment for us at NIMASA, and we remain resolute in our partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to ensure effective, rapid response in emergencies,” he said.
