Wreckage of crashed helicopter carrying oil workers located in Atlantic Ocean

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the successful location of the helicopter wreckage that crashed last Thursday in the Atlantic Ocean, while transporting Nigerian National Petroleum Limited (NNPC) workers from Port Harcourt.

Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, confirmed the discovery in a statement on Thursday. According to reports, the crash involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, which carried eight passengers and crew members. So far, five bodies have been recovered in a multi-agency search effort, with three people still unaccounted for.

The wreckage was identified approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon vessel, at a depth of 42 meters, and located at coordinates Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E. Preparations for the helicopter’s recovery are underway to aid a detailed investigation.

Captain Alex Badeh, NSIB Director General, commended the team for their commitment, stating, “Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in our efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure to the families of those affected.”