The helicopter that fell on Thursday morning in North Evia, which is currently in the grip of Storm Elias, was a private flight with two people on board, according to sources. The helicopter disappeared from the Civil Aviation Authority's radar while flying over the island at Achladi Beach, near the seaside village of Agia Anna.
It was an Agusta A109 civilian-type helicopter on a flight from Afidnes to Mantoudi and then the Volos industrial region. It took off at 10:13 on Thursday morning. A rescue operation with a Super Puma helicopter has been launched.
In statements to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, Central Greece governor Fanis Spanos stated: "We were very near the specific location ... and we are among the first trying to get there. Unfortunately, access has been cut off and we are now moving over lowland areas, together with the rescue crews, to get near the spot where the helicopter is considered to have fallen."
A search at sea off Achladi beach has also been launched by the coast guard and private vessels in the area, assisted by an Army Aviation helicopter. Northerly winds of up to 4.0 Beaufort are blowing in the area.