Aircraft crashes in the sea area of Herakleion

A single-engine aircraft with two people on board crashed into the sea off the coast of Herakleion, Crete on Thursday. It had just taken off from the city's airport.

An operation has been launched to locate the people who were on board.

A search and rescue operation was underway to find the two people onboard, with crews focusing their attention in the sea area off Karteros beach, located about 7km east of the city of Iraklio.

The Fire Brigade said they believe the passengers are still alive.

The airplane took off from Iraklio airport this morning and was headed to Egypt, local authorities said.