The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the crash of a Sikorsky SK76C helicopter, registered as 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation. The incident occurred in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar, on October 24, 2024, around 11:22 AM.
The helicopter was conducting a routine flight from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the Anton Offshore Facility when it lost contact with air traffic controllers at approximately 10:52 AM. Reports indicate that the aircraft was carrying eight individuals—six passengers and two crew members—when it went down.
According to Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, the helicopter was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal. This lack of communication has complicated search efforts, prompting authorities to manually plot the aircraft’s location to facilitate rescue operations.
Search and rescue operations commenced immediately, with NSIB collaborating with various agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Armed Forces. Emergency response teams are actively engaged in locating survivors, and as of now, three bodies have been recovered. Search efforts continue with the support of local aerodromes and military units.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the Director General of NSIB, extended his condolences to the families affected by the crash and emphasized the agency’s commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. He urged the public to avoid speculation during this sensitive period as the investigation unfolds.