By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced that it has recovered of a naked body from the Atlantic Ocean.
This comes six days after Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crashed near Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
In a press statement issued by NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the agency added that identification process commenced immediately.
The statement reads in part: “09:35 AM: HD Steadfast vessel identified a body in the water. Recovery actions were initiated by deploying the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for retrieval of the body.
“09:40 AM: Antan HSE and Security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan. 09:55 AM, Eastwind Aviation was contacted to explore possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation. 10:40 AM: HD Steadfast deployed a drone to conduct an extended aerial search of the area to locate additional floating objects or bodies.
“10:45 AM: Sea conditions presented challenges to the FRC crew for recovery. Coordination with HD Steadfast allowed the team to use its crane to retrieve the body safely and transfer it to the FPSO deck, despite inclement weather.
“10:49 AM: Following Eastwind’s notification that air ambulance providers were unavailable, NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support.
“11:15 AM: The body was successfully retrieved by the FRC and prepared for transfer to the FPSO deck.
“11:41 AM: An identification process commenced; while no clothing was found on the body, investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation.”
The New Diplomat reports that the fatal crash occurred last Thursday morning near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Eight persons (six passengers and two crew members) were confirmed to be on board the aircraft when the tragedy occurred.
The agency had earlier announced the recovery of at least five dead bodies from the tragedy, while efforts are being made to recover the rest.
