NIMASA commits to transparency, shares helicopter crash findings with IMO

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said it’s committed to openness, stated plans to share its findings on the recent helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The crash, which occurred on October 24, 2024, involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration 5N BQG.

Through an inter-agency collaboration, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), also known as the black box, were recovered over the weekend.

NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the swift and well-coordinated response from various government agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), NNPC, HydroDive, and other local and international search and rescue partners.

Mobereola stated that sharing the findings with the IMO demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation within the global maritime community.

The report will be submitted via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS), an online platform developed by the IMO.

The recovery efforts, led by NIMASA, have yielded over 80% of the helicopter wreck, including the rotor, engine, gearbox, and other critical components.

Dr. Mobereola extended condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, the families of the victims, and all those affected by the tragic incident.

NIMASA reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.