*Promises to Share Information with IMOThe Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has given an insight into the recent helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Island, Rivers State that claimed the lives of all the occupants.It also promised to share the details of its findings on the incident with the global maritime watchdog, International Maritime Organization (IMO) which has its headquarters in London, United Kingdom.This is coming on the heels of the recovery of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) otherwise called the black box at the weekend through an inter-agency collaboration involving NIMASA, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB, the NNPCL, HydroDive and other local and international search and rescue partners. NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola made these disclosures while commenting on the incident.A statement signed by NIMASA Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie quoted Mobereola commending all organs of government for what he called “the swift and well-coordinated inter agency partnership” for the search and recovery operations.Continuing, the NIMASA helmsman said: “In line with international maritime safety standards, NIMASA will report the findings about the helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean to the International Maritime Organization IMO via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System GISIS. 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”.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, Mobereola hinged his decision to share the findings on the incident on the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) which is an online platform developed by the IMO to support the timely and accurate reporting of incidents, accidents, and other essential maritime data.The NIMASA helmsman stated that the platform enables member states to share information crucial to improving safety protocols, updating best practices, and fostering international cooperation.“NIMASA is committed to working closely with all relevant agencies to determine the cause of the incident and to take all necessary steps to prevent future occurrences. 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. On October 24th 2024, the agency had received distress signals at the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) and the C4i center of the Deep Blue project and shared same with the Nigerian Navy who immediately deployed NIMASA’s specialized search and rescue assets to the crash site to locate the downed aircraft and conduct recovery efforts under challenging conditions. The helicopter crashed in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, at a distance of 1.4km from the starboard side of the Floating Producing Storage Offloading FPSO, NUIM ANTAN Producing Limited owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). NIMASA working closely with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), NNPCL, HydroDive and other local and international search and rescue partners recovered the FDR and CVR from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG.
With the recovery of the black box, over 80 percent of the helicopter wreck had been recovered. Other items recovered include rotor, 3 blades, engine, gearbox, windows, cockpit overhead panels, Electronic Locator Transmitter (ELT) and the tail. All the recovered wreck is on a dump barge. Mobereola extended NIMASA heartfelt condolences to NNPCL, the families of the victims, and all those affected by the tragic helicopter crash.His words: “Our deepest sympathies are with the NNPC, the families, and loved ones of those affected by this unfortunate incident. Safety is a paramount commitment for us at NIMASA and we remain resolute in our partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to ensure effective, rapid response in emergencies.
