Angola heli crash: Wreckage, one body found. Death toll rises

U.S. oil firm Chevron has recovered part of the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed offshore Angola last week.

A Chevron spokesperson told Offshore Energy Today on Monday that parts of the helicopter were discovered, along with the body of one of two workers who went missing after the crash.

This means the death toll now officially stands at five, as it was last week confirmed to Offshore Energy Today that at least four persons had died in the accident.

The spokesperson for Cabinda Gulf Oil Company  (CABGOC), a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, said that some wreckage of the Bell 430 helicopter that went missing on Monday, September 26, has been discovered.

“Divers found the body of one of the two missing personnel and are working to find the last missing person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those affected by this incident,” the spokesperson said.

CABGOC spokesperson said that resources assigned to the search effort are “substantial,” including surface vessels and aerial surveillance activities as well as, subsea search equipment, including remotely operated vehicles (ROV) for visual assessment; sonar equipment; and diver supported assessments.

To remind, the helicopter was on a routine flight, carrying five passengers and a pilot to Chevron’s Tombua Landana platform off Angola, when it crashed last Monday.

“Incident investigation is ongoing. CABGOC has engaged the services of third-party subject matter experts to assist with the investigation. CABGOC continues to cooperate with the Angolan authorities and is appreciative of the support received to date,” the spokesperson said.

Offshore Energy Today Staff