A Canadian military helicopter serving with a NATO naval task force has reportedly crashed in the Ionian Sea while participating in a mission in international waters off Greece.
Canadian Armed Forces operations confirmed there was an incident involving one of their CH-148 Cyclone helicopters last night.
It said “contact was lost with the aircraft as it was participating in Allied exercises off the coast of Greece,” and “search and rescue efforts are currently underway.”
It was carrying six people, one has reportedly been found dead, while the five others are still missing.
Local TV reports say the helicopter had come from the Canadian frigate, which is taking part in the alliance’s Operation Reassurance meant to deter Russian aggression throughout Eastern Europe.
The first victim of the crash has since been identified. For more details, please click here.
The CAF confirms we have contacted all primary family members of those who were on board the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter that was involved in an accident in the Mediterranean Sea. pic.twitter.com/5wVjRjboCl
— Canadian Armed Forces Operations (@CFOperations) April 30, 2020
“A Canadian helicopter involved in Op REASSURANCE with NATO allies has gone missing off the coast of Greece. I have spoken with Minister Harjit Sajjan, and search and rescue efforts are currently underway. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.”-Prime Minister Trudeau
— CanadianPM (@CanadianPM) April 30, 2020
1/2 Developing situation regarding our CH-148 Cyclone, deployed onboard HMCS FREDERICTON, which is currently contributing to Op #REASSURANCE.
Contact was lost with the aircraft as it was participating in Allied exercises off the coast of Greece.— Canadian Armed Forces Operations (@CFOperations) April 29, 2020
