Bristow crash survivors ‘suffer hypothemia’
Three survivors of Wednesday’s 5B BJQ Bristow helicopter crash suffered “hypothermia” but they are in a stable condition, TheCable understands.
Hypothermia, a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, is usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, in this case the Atlantic Ocean which the chopper “ditched” into.
Another survivor had a swollen arm while the fifth had a swollen shoulder.
The others, including two crew members, did not suffer any serious injuries from the crash.
TheCable understands that the chopper, with 11 people — mostly ExxonMobil staff — on board, sent a distress message shortly after 10am before crashing into the Atlantic at 10.20am.
About 10 minutes later, MV-DIJAMA, a new vessel owned by local Nigerian company L.A.T.C Marine Ltd, was alerted on the accident.
It arrived at the crash scene around 11.50am and started rescue operation, with all the passengers already wearing their life jackets.
MV-DIJAMA launched its Fast Rescue Boat immediately and started receiving the casualties from the chopper’s LifeRafts.
The accident happened 70 nautical miles off Lagos.
Other emergency services involved in the operation are RRS search and rescue Helicopters, navy and air force.
Six persons died in a Bristow chopper crash at Oworonshoki, Lagos, in 2015.
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