Canadian military helicopter crashes during NATO exercise in the Mediterranean

At least one person is dead after a Canadian military CH-148 Cyclone helicopter crashed in the Ionian sea between Italy and Greece early Thursday morning while taking part in an exercise as part of a NATO operation in the Mediterranean.

"Contact was lost with the aircraft as it was participating in Allied exercises off the coast of Greece," the Canadian Armed Forces said in a brief statement, The Jerusalem Post reports.

The helicopter had been operating on board the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Fredericton as part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2)’s Operation REASSURANCE when the incident occurred early on Thursday morning, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) said.

The Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMG) are a multinational, integrated maritime force made up of vessels from various allied countries and help to establish a NATO presence and strengthen deterrence. There are some 915 CAF personnel deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, making it Canada’s largest international military operation.

According to local Greek media, the helicopter crashed in international waters about 80 kilometers off the island of Cephalonia. An Italian and Turkish frigate were reported to be taking part in the search and rescue operation, finding debris and one body.

Another five crew members are said to still be missing.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he had spoken with Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan and confirmed that rescue efforts were underway to find the crew of the helicopter.

30.04.2020 12:40

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