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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has said there is no trace of three missing persons, as well as the debris of the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
NSIB revealed this in a statement on Saturday, 48 hours after the incident.
The statement was signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji.
Read Also: Three Reported Dead As Helicopter Crashes In Port Harcourt
Oladeji confirmed that “as at 07:30 am, local time, rescue teams resumed search operations in line with global best practices,” but left the scene same day without finding anything.
According to the Bureau, the search area was expanded as part of ongoing efforts to locate debris or signs of survivors.
It had been reported that a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration number 5NBQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed on its way to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN on Thursday.
There were reportedly eight persons on board – six passengers and two crew members.
Three persons have been confirmed dead after a helicopter crashed into the waters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Eastern Updates reports that the accident occurred at 11:22 am on Thursday, along the waterways in Port Harcourt.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig.
A total of eight persons were on board, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi.
The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, the authorities said, adding that rescue efforts have been activated.