The search for Eastwind Aviation’s Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, which crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Port Harcourt, has faced significant challenges. Despite concerted efforts from the Nigerian military and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), essential parts like the black boxes, debris, and other components have not been recovered after a week of searching. To improve search efficiency, the NSIB plans to deploy a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capable of operating at ocean depths of up to 1,000 meters. This ROV is expected to gather crucial evidence for understanding the cause of the crash.
Capt. Samuel Caulcrick, a former rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, expressed disappointment over the ongoing search difficulties, calling for improved search-and-rescue capabilities within the NSIB. He highlighted the need for a dedicated, well-equipped unit to handle crash recovery, particularly in aviation incidents within Nigerian waters. Caulcrick emphasized the importance of strengthening NSIB resources to support their expanded role since transitioning from the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) to a multimodal agency responsible for multiple types of transport investigations.