Search underway for Canadian military helicopter that went missing during NATO operations
A Canadian NATO helicopter reportedly crashed off the coast of Greece on Wednesday.
Canadian Armed Forces Operations said on social media that they lost contact with the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter that has been deployed on the HMCS Fredericton for Operation Reassurance.
Contact was lost with the aircraft as it was “participating in allied exercises off the coast of Greece.”
1/2 Developing situation regarding our CH-148 Cyclone, deployed onboard HMCS FREDERICTON, which is currently contributing to Op #REASSURANCE.
Contact was lost with the aircraft as it was participating in Allied exercises off the coast of Greece.— Canadian Armed Forces Operations (@CFOperations) April 29, 2020
The military is now conducting search and rescue efforts for those on the helicopter, but have not yet released information on how many individuals were on the aircraft.
Updated information this morning shows that the search efforts are still underway with allied forces.
Search efforts continue with our Allies. The helicopter was operating with HMCS Fredericton as part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2).
— Canadian Armed Forces Operations (@CFOperations) April 30, 2020
The Canadian Forces confirmed that they have “contacted all primary family members of those who were on board the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter that was involved in an accident in the Mediterranean Sea.”
On Wednesday night, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the missing aircraft saying he has spoke with Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan.
“Search and rescue efforts are currently underway. Updates will be provided as soon as possible,” Trudeau said.
A Canadian helicopter involved in Op REASSURANCE with NATO allies has gone missing off the coast of Greece. I have spoken with Minister @HarjitSajjan, and search and rescue efforts are currently underway. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 30, 2020
According to the Government of Canada, the new CH-148 is a maritime helicopter that conducts “anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and utility missions.”
The CH-148 Cyclone provides tactical transport for national and international security efforts.
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