Two dead after firefighting helicopter crashes off Greek island of Samos

·

Two members of a helicopter crew battling a forest fire on the Greek island of Samos died when it crashed into the sea, authorities said on Wednesday.

According to AP News, a Romanian national and a Greek liaison officer died in the crash, while two Moldovan nationals survived.

Photo of the helicopter crash. Photo: Samos24.gr.

The Soviet-made Mil Mi-8 medium twin-turbine helicopter took off from Samos at 4.39 pm and fell into the sea at 5.55 pm, the Greek Coast Guard said.

Nine vessels, five from the Coast Guard, two from the army and two private, as well as a helicopter, took part in the rescue operation.

A total of 27 firefighters, four water-dropping aircraft, and one helicopter were continuing to fight the blaze that broke out earlier on the island on Wednesday in a forested area near the village of Palaiohori.

Due to the strong winds, the villages of Makria Pounta and Limnionas were evacuated late on Wednesday.

A village on Samos island is currently burning. Photo: Keep Talking Greece.

This is the second big fire on Samos island in 2022 and the third since July 2021. The deaths are the first reported casualties from Greece’s fire season.

Source: AP News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Magna Graecia – Part 4: From Colony to Colossus: Syracuse and Hellenism in Sicily

Syracuse (in present-day Sicily) was founded in 734 BCE by settlers from Corinth and Tenea, led by their oikist (founder), Archias.

Scam no more: Protecting what’s most important with Evan Frangos

Hailing from Ikaria, Greece, Evan is also a Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator, specialising in recovering funds lost to scams and hacks.

Upcoming Sydney lecture will explore the Greek Civil War in Greek literature

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) will delve into the history of the Greek Civil War as presented in Greek literature.

Greek olive oil in Japan: Health, heritage and authenticity

At the Olive Japan International Olive Oil Competition, Greek olive oils earned 12 Gold Medals and 36 Silvers.

The Greek island tourists haven’t overrun

Unlike Santorini, which draws up to 3.4 million visitors annually, the island of Kea remains largely under the radar.

You May Also Like

NSW Labor pledges to support the Greek Festival of Sydney

NSW Labor Party has pledged it will invest $220,000 a year over the next four years to support the Greek Festival of Sydney if elected.

Darwin welcomes Cretan community: 43rd National Convention a triumph

The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ)  successfully held its 43rd National Convention in Darwin from January 2-5, 2025.

Clayton Church: How the Clayton Community together with Archbishop Makarios healed a century long schism

Clayton's Greek Orthodoxy, as well as Australia's, celebrated a historical event today (Thursday 12/12) and yesterday (Wednesday (11/12), as Archbishop Makarios officially marks the end of the Holy Temple of St Spyridon's (Clayton, VIC) schism from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.