The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is calling out misleading reports on the helicopter crash off the coast of Port Harcourt, clarifying that only three bodies, not five, have been recovered. The media frenzy claimed five bodies had been retrieved from the Atlantic Ocean crash site, but the NSIB says it’s a story blown out of proportion.
The tragedy struck when the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, owned by East Wind Aviation and contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), plunged into the ocean on its journey from Port Harcourt’s Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base to the NNPC’s offshore facility. With six passengers and two crew members onboard, the crash has raised urgent questions about flight safety, search efficiency, and—let’s be honest—truth in reporting.
NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs, Bimbo Oladeji, has been forced to clear the air, stating that only three bodies were initially recovered. Two additional bodies have since been located, but efforts to retrieve them have been thwarted by fierce ocean currents and murky visibility. Yet, the commitment to bringing closure to this tragedy remains firm.
Oladeji clarified, “Reports of five bodies are premature. We recovered three bodies initially, and though two more were spotted, the challenging underwater conditions prevented retrieval. Our priority is to recover all victims, and we have deployed additional diving equipment to aid in this mission.”
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the NSIB’s Director General, emphasized that a full investigation is underway, stressing that their focus is on both recovery and getting answers for grieving families.
“Our team is confronting incredibly tough conditions, but we’re pushing through, committed to a thorough investigation that’ll shed light on the cause of this tragic accident,” Badeh stated.
Oladeji urged the public to avoid wild speculation, which only distracts from the critical work at hand. “The NSIB is committed to transparency, and updates will be given as soon as there’s verified information. Speculation doesn’t help; it misguides and distracts.”
This accident, involving a helicopter transporting NNPC personnel, has again placed a spotlight on transportation safety and the urgency for clear, dependable communication in times of crisis. The NSIB, working with various agencies and private partners, assures Nigerians that all hands are on deck, vowing to leave no stone unturned in both recovery and investigation.
As the mission to retrieve those lost continues, the Bureau calls for patience and support. In times like these, accuracy and compassion, not sensationalism—should lead the way.
