A Cyclone Sikorsky CH-148 helicopter based on the Canadian frigate Fredericton crashed while operating in waters between Greece and Italy on the 29th of April.
NATO say that Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 ships and their associated air assets from Canada, Italy and Turkey are supported in their search operations by Allied maritime and air components from Greece, Italy, and the United States.
“HMCS Fredericton is a unit of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) and had recently sailed from Souda, Greece to continue with their mission of maritime situational awareness in the Mediterranean. SNMG2 performed several exercises with units of the Turkish Navy followed with exercises with the Hellenic Navy and Air Force this past week. Details about personnel on board the helicopter will be released in accordance with national procedures.”
It is understood that rescue teams are searching international waters off Greece’s Kefalonia island.
NATO say that SNMG2 is one of four standing forces that comprise the maritime component of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), which is part of the NATO Response Force (NRF).
We can only hope that the crew is found safe and well floating around in a rubber dingy.
Thoughts have to be with their family and friends.
Awful stuff, feels worse for the fact its one of ours. Hope they’re found safe and sound
Thoughts are with the crew. I hope they’re found safe and sound.
hope they are found safe the heli can be replaced..lives sadly cannot.
Barba Beard Trimmer for Men with Ceramic Blades and Adjustable Stubble Trimmer https://amzn.to/3cWmuMf
Oh shit! How tragic. Can only hope crew are found. Spent many years in Canada trying to sell them the EH101 back in the days when I worked for Westland/EHI. Succeeded with the Chimo (SAR helicopter). Failed with this one. When I moved to Airbus, was also involved in the margins of trying to sell them the NH90. So I got to know many of the guys in the Air Force/DND. They’ll all be retired now. Good times.
Thoughts with the crew and families, here’s to a fast and safe recovery.
Looks like all 6 POB are dead 🙁 Only 1 body found so far afaik. Cockpit & voice recorders recovered.