A firefighting helicopter crashed into the sea off the coast of Elefsina on Monday while assisting efforts to contain a wildfire in the industrial area of Aspropyrgos, west of Athens.
The aircraft, identified as a leased Erickson model, went down while attempting to collect water. The incident occurred as crews were battling flames consuming low vegetation and dry grass in the area known as Ímeros Tópos.
According to the fire service, 38 firefighters, 13 fire engines, and a team from the 1st Forest Firefighting Unit (EMODE) were deployed to the scene. Two helicopters were also conducting water drops, supported by local authorities with water trucks and operators.
According to initial reports, the helicopter was carrying a three-member crew. A rescue operation was immediately launched, and all three crew members were located swimming in the sea off Elefsina and are safe.
