CRASHED COPTER: Search Operations In Progress- NSIB

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The search team combing the high sea and rolling back the frontiers for diving with the view to achieve desired results

The Search and Rescue operations suspended at about 6.15 pm yesterday, Friday, 25th October 2024, have begun today Saturday 26th October although, no debris, survivors, or bodies were recovered during yesterday’s search as reported by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB.

The divers today made use of the established and secured diving perimeter at an expected location of the wreck, which served as a guide to the search and rescue operations still being conducted in the day.

**Divers using IT to determine excellent points to search for debris and other souls yet to be found**

According to NSIB, the perimeter depth had already been measured at 40-50 meters, and additional diving equipment and resources were deployed to aid in the continuation of the search efforts.

A statement by NSIB revealed that the search area had been expanded as part of ongoing efforts to locate debris or signs of survivors.

Also confirmed was that “a team of NSIB Aviation Safety Investigators and Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development representatives were on the ground at the Nuim Antan facility before noon yesterday, while the investigators conducted interviews with relevant staff to elicit information pertinent to the ongoing investigation.

However, the investigative team was reported by NSIB, to have completed their on-site interviews and had departed the FPSO by 3:24 PM yesterday, Friday, 25th October.

**The rescue team equipment and the materials for carting casualties**

The media statement by NSIB reported that “Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB thus stated, “We acknowledge the tireless efforts of the amalgamated rescue teams and supporting partners. We will continue these operations with every resource necessary and appreciate the cooperation and patience of all stakeholders involved,” said Badeh.

The statement reiterated that “the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, remains committed to providing timely updates as the investigation advances and to conducting a thorough and transparent analysis of the incident. Further details will be released as they become available.