Rescuers have located a helicopter that went missing in Russia’s far east with 22 people on board, officials said Sunday. The helicopter, operated by Vityaz-Aero, was carrying tourists when it disappeared. The bodies of 17 people have been found, and search efforts are ongoing for the remaining occupants.
Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that all those on board are presumed to have died, attributing the crash to poor visibility in adverse weather conditions. The wreckage of the helicopter was discovered at an altitude of 900 meters near its last known location close to the Vachkazhets volcano in the Kamchatka region.
The Mi-8 helicopter, a two-engine aircraft from the 1960s, is widely used in Russia and neighboring countries. The Federal Air Transport Agency stated that 19 passengers and three crew members were believed to be on board the ill-fated flight.
Vityaz-Aero, described as one of the largest air carriers in the Kamchatka region, has faced scrutiny in the past. Following a fatal helicopter crash in 2021, the company was temporarily banned from transporting passengers pending an investigation into potential flight safety violations.
Kamchatka, known for its rugged beauty and rich wildlife, is a popular tourist destination. The region is home to the Kronotsky reserve, housing Russia’s only geyser basin, which attracts visitors from around the world.
