Fourth Body Recovered from Rivers Helicopter Crash, Minister Confirms

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has confirmed the recovery of a fourth body from the Eastwind Aviation helicopter crash that occurred last Thursday in the Atlantic Ocean.

This development comes after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) previously refuted claims of multiple recoveries.

In a statement on his X account, Keyamo noted that the NSIB informed him of the recovery, identifying the body through a distinct T-shirt matched to a description provided. “An additional body was confirmed by matching the T-shirt worn to the description provided. Although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity as the fourth victim,” he stated.

The tragic incident involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration number 5N-BQG, which crashed while carrying eight individuals, including six officials from the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and two crew members.

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Initially, three bodies were recovered immediately following the crash, bringing the total to four with this latest discovery.

The NSIB has coordinated with Eastwind Aviation to arrange for the transport of the recovered body, with an air ambulance scheduled for Monday. Additionally, arrangements have been made with Antan Security to prepare the Port Harcourt Marine Police for the body’s arrival.

NSIB Director General, Capt. Alex Badeh, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts in the search and recovery operations. “We appreciate the coordinated support of our national and international partners in this challenging environment.

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Our thoughts remain with the families of those affected, and we remain committed to gathering vital information to provide clarity and closure,” Badeh said.

The NSIB has pledged transparency in its ongoing investigation, aiming to enhance transportation safety standards in Nigeria.