Canadian NATO helicopter goes missing off Greece

Officials said on Wednesday that, "A Canadian military helicopter operating as part of a NATO surveillance force has gone missing over the sea between Greece and Italy.

The helicopter was assigned to the Canadian frigate Fredericton, from which it had taken off for a patrol.

“There is a developing position regarding one of our CH-148 Cyclone helicopters, expanded onboard HMCS FREDERICTON, which is currently contributing to Op REASSURANCE,” the Canadian armed forces said in a statement.

“Contact was lost with the aircraft as it was engaging in Allied exercises off the coast of Greece. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway,” it added.

The statement did not give details on how many staff were on board, although a Greek military source earlier said it was thought the aircraft had been carrying six people.

Original reports said the helicopter had been over foreign waters 50 nautical miles off the Greek island of Kefalonia, the Greek air force said.

Italian, Greek and Turkish frigates also took part in the patrol that had moved from Greek to Italian waters on Wednesday, with the Greek frigate remaining in Greek waters.

Greek naval and air forces were ready to assist in a rescue operation “if Italy requests it”, a military source told AFP.

A spokesperson for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), which plans and carries out all NATO operations, added: “I confirm there has 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," added.