Canadian NATO helicopter goes missing off Greece
30 April, 2020
A Canadian military helicopter operating as part of a NATO surveillance force has gone missing over the sea between Greece and Italy, officials said on Wednesday.
The helicopter was mounted on the Canadian frigate Fredericton, from which it had removed for a patrol.
“There is a developing situation regarding among our CH-148 Cyclone helicopters, deployed onboard HMCS FREDERICTON, which happens to be contributing to Op REASSURANCE,” the Canadian military said in a statement.
“Contact was lost with the aircraft as it was participating in Allied exercises off the coast of Greece. Search and rescue efforts are underway,” it added.
The statement didn't give details how many personnel were up to speed, although a Greek military source earlier said it had been believed the aircraft had been carrying six people.
Initial reports said the helicopter have been over international waters 50 nautical miles off the Greek island of Kefalonia, the Greek air force said.
Italian, Greek and Turkish frigates also took part in the patrol that had moved from Greek to Italian waters on Wednesday, with the Greek frigate remaining in Greek waters.
Greek naval and air forces were ready to help out with a rescue procedure “if Italy requests it”, a military source told AFP.
A spokesperson for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), which plans and carries out all NATO operations, added: “I confirm there's been an incident involving a helicopter from a ship under NATO command.
“There happens to be a search and rescue operation being conducted and national notifications taking place.”
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