Helicopter crash in North Evia

A video document of the moment a civilian helicopter crashed in Northern Evia has been published.

This is the Agusta A109, which took off at 10:13 am and suddenly disappeared from SAA radars in the wider Agia Anna area shortly before 11:00 am on Thursday. The footage shows the helicopter flying through the fog and then the wave that rises as it falls into the sea. There is no information yet on how many people were on board the civilian helicopter, nor is it known whether it issued any distress signals.

However, according to the SKY channel, the pilot appeared to report difficult weather conditions. As it became known, the helicopter took off from Mantoudi and was moving towards the industrial zone of Volos. Both areas were particularly hard hit by Hurricane Elias.

An air rescue operation involving Super Puma is carried out. According to an official statement from the Coast Guard, four coast guard vessels and two private vessels responded to the incident area.

Weather conditions hampered the rescue operation: 4 Beaufort winds, poor visibility and incessant rain. In addition, the sea where the search is being carried out is full of mud (muddy).

According to an ERT correspondent who was in the crash area at the time, the helicopter was flying quite low and making strange maneuvers before disappearing from view.

In a conversation with in.gr, the head of the district of Ahladiou, Alexandros Efstathiou, said that the investigation into the whereabouts of the helicopter continues, but the work is hampered by difficult weather conditions, as Hurricane Elias continues.

“The helicopter fell into the sea, we are trying to find it. Professional fishermen are also helping. We do not know the number of passengers (presumably two – approx. author). The situation is difficult because it rains continuously,” said Mr. Efstathiou.

Added at 12:30

The mayor of Mantoudi told ERT that the helicopter crashed into the sea on Ahladiou beach. “The helicopter crashed in front of my house. The staff notified me of the situation and we are now attending the scene,” said Mr Georgios Tsapoorniotis.

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