The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged to share its findings on the recent helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean, near Bonny Finima in Rivers State, with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The director-general of NIMASA,  Dayo Mobereola, said this in a statement by the head of public relations directorate of the agency, Edward Osagie, in Lagos on Sunday.

Mr Mobereola said that a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder CVR otherwise known as the ‘Black Box’ was recovered at the weekend, through an inter-agency collaboration.

He stated that the collaboration includes NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), NNPC, HydroDive, along with other local and international search and rescue partners.

Mr Mobereola commended all organs of government for the partnership during the search and recovery operations.

He noted that NIMASA would share information on the incident with the IMO.

“In line with international maritime safety standards, NIMASA will report the findings about the helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean, to the International Maritime Organisation via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

“By sharing the findings of the off-shore Port Harcourt helicopter crash with the IMO, NIMASA demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation within the global maritime community.

“The Global Integrated Shipping Information System is an online platform developed by the IMO to support the timely and accurate reporting of incidents, accidents, and other essential maritime data.

“This platform enables member-state to share information crucial to improving safety protocols, updating best practices, and fostering international cooperation,” Mr Mobereola said.

According to him,  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.

While mourning the deceased, the NIMASA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain and continued inter-agency collaboration.

He recalled how NIMASA received distress signals at the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) on Oct. 24 and the (C4i) centre of the Deep Blue project and shared the same with the Nigerian Navy.

“The Nigerian Navy, immediately deployed NIMASA’s specialised Search and rescue assets to the crash site to locate the downed aircraft and conduct recovery efforts under challenging conditions.

“The helicopter crashed into 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 Ltd. owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Ltd.

He said that the collaboration between NIMASA and other local as well as international search and rescue partners recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG.

Mr Mobereola said with the recovery of the ‘Black Box’, over 80 per cent of the helicopter wreck had been recovered.

The other recovered items include rotor, three blades, engine, gearbox, windows, cockpit overhead panels, the Electronic Locator Transmitter (ELT) and the tail.

The NIMASA DG extended the agency’s condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC Ltd., the families of the victims, and others affected by the helicopter crash.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the NNPC, the families, and loved ones of those affected by this unfortunate incident. Safety is a paramount commitment to us at NIMASA.

“We remain resolute in our partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to ensure effective, rapid response in emergencies.”

 (NAN)