The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced plans to share its comprehensive findings with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This decision comes after the successful recovery of crucial flight recording devices and major wreckage components from the crash site near Bonny Finima.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA’s Director General, confirmed that the investigation details will be submitted through the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS), underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining international maritime safety standards and transparency. The move represents a significant step in understanding the circumstances surrounding the October 24 incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter.
The recovery operation, marked by its complexity and scale, has achieved remarkable success through an unprecedented collaboration between multiple agencies. The joint effort, involving NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and HydroDive, along with other local and international partners, has resulted in the retrieval of over 80% of the aircraft wreckage.
Among the crucial components recovered are the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – collectively known as the black box – which could provide vital insights into the crash’s cause. Additional recovered items include the helicopter’s rotor, three blades, engine, gearbox, windows, cockpit overhead panels, and the Electronic Locator Transmitter (ELT), all of which are currently secured on a dump barge for analysis.
The incident occurred approximately 1.4 kilometers from the starboard side of the Floating Producing Storage Offloading (FPSO) facility, NUIM ANTAN Producing Ltd, owned by NNPC Limited. The crash triggered immediate response protocols, with distress signals received at NIMASA’s Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center and the C4i center of the Deep Blue project.
Highlighting the efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime emergency response system, the Nigerian Navy swiftly deployed NIMASA’s specialized search and rescue assets to the crash site. These teams operated under challenging conditions to locate the downed aircraft and conduct recovery operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of Nigeria’s maritime safety infrastructure.
In his statement, Dr. Mobereola emphasized NIMASA’s dedication to determining the crash’s cause and implementing preventive measures for future safety. As we mourn those lost, NIMASA reaffirms its dedication to the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain and the continued strengthening of inter-agency collaboration,” he stated, while extending condolences to the NNPC Limited and the families affected by the tragedy.
The decision to share findings with the IMO reflects Nigeria’s growing role in global maritime safety initiatives. According to Osagie Edward, NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, this transparency will strengthen Nigeria’s position within the international maritime community. By sharing the findings of the offshore Port Harcourt helicopter crash with the IMO, we at NIMASA demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation within the global maritime community,” the statement emphasized.
This incident has highlighted the importance of coordinated emergency response systems and inter-agency cooperation in maritime safety operations. The successful recovery operation, conducted under challenging offshore conditions, showcases Nigeria’s growing capabilities in handling complex maritime emergencies and investigations.
The forthcoming report to the IMO is expected to provide valuable insights that could influence international maritime safety protocols, particularly concerning offshore helicopter operations. This information sharing initiative may also serve as a model for other nations in handling similar maritime aviation incidents.
As the investigation continues, NIMASA’s commitment to thorough analysis and transparent reporting demonstrates Nigeria’s evolving role in contributing to global maritime safety standards. The agency’s approach to this incident could set new benchmarks for maritime accident investigation and international cooperation in the region.
