One reported dead as Canadian military helicopter goes missing off coast of Greece
OTTAWA - A search-and-rescue mission was underway Wednesday night for a Canadian military helicopter believed to have crashed into the sea off the Greek coast with one person reportedly dead.
The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed that rescue operations were underway for one of its aircraft that had been operating from a Canadian warship.
"There is a developing situation regarding one of our helicopters " Contact was lost with the aircraft as it was participating in allied exercises off the coast of Greece," the military said in a statement to the Star.
"Search-and-rescue efforts are currently underway," the military said, adding that no further information could be provided.
The Associated Press cited reports by Greek state TV that the helicopter had crashed into the sea between Greece and Italy, killing at least one person. ERT said debris from the crash and one body were found late Wednesday, with five others aboard the aircraft missing, according to the AP report.
The Canadian frigate HMCS Fredericton deployed to the region in January, together with a relatively new CH-148 Cyclone helicopter from 12 Wing Shearwater.
The helicopters, manufactured by Sikorsky, have replaced the aging Sea King helicopters. The Cyclone was declared operational in July, 2018 after a period of testing and troubleshooting. The helicopter had its first deployment that year on board HMCS Ville de Quebec on the very same NATO operation.
The Cyclone normally operates with a crew of four - two pilots, one tactical operator and one sensor operator.
The frigate is on a six-month deployed with a standing NATO maritime task group as part of Operation Reassurance, meant to deter Russian aggression following its invasion of Crimea.
A spokesperson for the NATO mission confirmed there had been an incident involving a helicopter from a ship under NATO command.
"There is currently a search-and-rescue operation being conducted and national notifications taking place," Col. Juanita Chang, chief of public affairs for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.
Chang said she was unable to provide additional information citing the need to "respect national notification procedures and family members."
The Royal Canadian Air Force has 18 Cyclones in its fleet and is due to get 28 in all. The maritime helicopters are meant to deploy on board frigates, providing surveillance, transport and search-and-rescue.
The twin-engine helicopters have a sophisticated array of electronics on board to assist the pilots, allowing day and night operations in most weather conditions, according to the air force.
"This new fleet of aircraft is at the forefront of modern technology and one of the most capable maritime helicopters in the world," the air force states on is website.
Bruce Campion-Smith is an Ottawa-based reporter covering national politics for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @yowflier