Helicopter crashes off Vouliagmeni marina, all five occupants safe
A private helicopter crashed into the sea near the Vouliagmeni marina in southern Athens around midday Sunday, but all five occupants—four American passengers and a Greek pilot—were rescued unharmed, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed.
The helicopter had taken off shortly before from Astera, Vouliagmeni, when the pilot detected a mechanical malfunction, according to state broadcaster ERT. Acting quickly, the pilot reportedly instructed the passengers to exit due to the low altitude, with preliminary reports suggesting they may have jumped onto land, though this has not been officially verified.
The pilot attempted to stabilize the aircraft but was ultimately unsuccessful, and the helicopter plunged into the sea. Divers rescued the pilot, and all five individuals were later transferred to a hospital in Voula for precautionary medical checks.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the malfunction and assess the exact sequence of events leading to the crash.
