Two Dead After Helicopter Crash in Samos, Greece

A total of two people passed away in a helicopter crash off the island of Samos in Greece on Wednesday.

Rescue crews found four people—two survivors and two people who passed away—whose helicopter crashed into the sea off the island of Samos on Wednesday afternoon as they battled a wildfire.

In addition to the Romanian pilot, the helicopter was said to be carrying two Moldovan operators, and a Greek liaison-translator. One of the operators and the Greek translator were tragically killed in the crash.

The two Moldovan passengers were taken to the hospital and were unconscious, according to AMNA, and one tragically passed away. The pilot, said to be from Romania, was taken to the hospital, as well.

Two dead in helicopter crash off Samos, Greece

A total of four coast guard vessels, one lifeboat, a number of private boats, and navy and air force helicopters participated in the search and rescue operation.

The crash occurred on the island’s western coast. The helicopter was a Soviet-made Mil Mi-8 medium twin-turbine helicopter.

The decades-old helicopter had been leased by the Greek government, the report noted.

Early on Wednesday, 27 firefighters, four water-dropping aircraft, and three helicopters were dispatched to the fire, officials told Reuters.

The wildfire season has already been an active one in Greece. Last week, 52 wildfires were recorded in the country within a 24-hour period.

Last week, a large wildfire broke out at Porto Germeno, a seaside resort west of Athens,  forcing authorities to evacuate a nearby village. Strong north-westerly winds in the area of the Gulf of Corinth pushed the fire toward the town of Psatha. Last week also saw two large wildfires that threatened Itea and Kranidi, two of Greece’s top luxury resorts.