A Canadian helicopter participating in NATO’s Standing Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) has gone missing over the Ionian Sea between Italy and Greece, Greek officials say.
The plane was flying in Italian airspace when it disappeared from the radar.
Media reports say there were between three and six people on board.
A spokesperson for NATO confirmed that there has been an incident involving a helicopter from a ship under NATO command but did not identify the member military operating the helicopter.
NATO search-and-rescue teams are reportedly searching international waters off Greece's Kefalonia island.
Greek authorities said they have not been asked to help as the area is far off the Greek mainland and outside the area where the country has responsibility for search and rescue operations.
More to come…
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 Joint Operations Command (@CJOC_COIC) April 29, 2020
2/2 Search and rescue efforts are currently underway.
As this is evolving, we have no further information to provide at this time.— Canadian Joint Operations Command (@CJOC_COIC) April 29, 2020
