HELICOPTER WITH 22 ABOARD VANISHES IN REMOTE RUSSIAN WILDERNESS

Sat 31 August 2024:

A helicopter carrying 22 people, including 19 tourists, has gone missing in Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula. Authorities lost contact with the Mi-8 helicopter at 04:15 GMT on Saturday, according to Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov. Rescue teams, using helicopters, are scouring the rugged terrain, particularly a river valley that was part of the helicopter’s planned route.

The Mi-8, a two-engine helicopter dating back to the 1960s, took off from a scenic area near the Vachkajec ancient volcano, known for its dramatic landscapes and active volcanoes. It was headed for the village of Nikolayevka, a short 25-kilometer journey that turned tragic as the helicopter vanished from radar almost immediately after takeoff. Authorities reported no distress signals or problems from the crew.

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Harsh Weather and Frequent Crashes Mark Russia’s Far East Aviation Woes

Poor visibility was reported in the area at the time of the disappearance, a common challenge in Russia’s sparsely populated far eastern region. The region has a history of aviation accidents, often exacerbated by severe weather conditions. In a similar incident in August 2021, another Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Kamchatka, claiming the lives of eight out of 16 people on board. Earlier that year, a plane crash in the same region resulted in the deaths of all 28 passengers and crew members.

As rescue efforts continue, the fate of the 22 people on board remains uncertain. The disappearance adds to the grim history of aviation incidents in Kamchatka, where the combination of harsh weather and challenging terrain has often led to deadly outcomes.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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