Military deploys sonar in search for crashed NAF aircraft in Ondo

The Nigerian military has begun an underwater side-scan sonar survey to locate the Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The equipment is being used to map the crash site and identify the submerged aircraft’s position so divers and technical teams can plan the recovery, Vanguard reported.

The Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department deployed the equipment following a directive from Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas. Poor underwater visibility in the swamp has complicated the search.

Navy divers and Air Force drone pilots are also searching the mangrove and forested areas. The survey is expected to guide the next recovery phase, including the use of a swamp buggy for excavation.

The development followed an assessment visit by Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, and Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh, Air Officer Commanding the Air Force Logistics Command.

The delegation travelled by boat to the site of the aircraft, identified as NAF 931, and visited the swamp buggy launching point. Military personnel, emergency agencies and technical crews are working together on the operation.

The crash and the Air Force’s subsequent victim list were reported here. Vanguard’s report did not specify the sonar survey’s start date.

Sources: Vanguard