KAMCHATKA, RUSSIA — Rescuers have found no survivors in the wreckage of a helicopter that disappeared while carrying 22 people, most of them tourists, in Russia’s far-east Kamchatka Peninsula.
The aircraft went missing on Saturday after taking off from a base near the Vachkazhets volcano, a popular tourist destination known for its active volcanoes and rugged terrain.
The Mi-8T helicopter, operated by Kamchatka-based Vityaz-Aero, was carrying 19 tourists and three crew members when it lost contact with air traffic control.
The wreckage was discovered on Sunday morning in a hilly area, near a large wooded hill, close to where the helicopter had gone off radar.
Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov confirmed the discovery via Telegram, sharing footage posted by Russia’s emergencies ministry that showed helicopter debris scattered near a slope.
As of Sunday, rescuers had recovered 17 bodies from the crash site, with searches for the remaining five victims suspended until daybreak on Monday.
An emergency ministry official, Ivan Lemikhov, stated that efforts had been hindered by thick fog, which initially slowed down the search and rescue operation.
Despite the challenging conditions, the wreckage was located after extensive aerial and ground searches.
Russia’s Interfax news agency reported that pilot error, possibly due to foggy weather, is the leading theory being investigated as the cause of the crash.
Thick fog has been a recurring obstacle for rescuers and is believed to have played a role in the tragic accident. Although the cause of the crash remains officially unclear, adverse weather conditions in the region have often contributed to similar accidents in the past.
The Kamchatka Peninsula, known for its breathtaking landscapes and active volcanoes, attracts thousands of tourists each year.
However, the region’s harsh and unpredictable weather, combined with its remote location, makes it a challenging environment for both residents and visitors.
Accidents involving aircraft, especially helicopters, are relatively frequent in Russia’s far-east due to these factors.
Three years ago, another fatal helicopter crash occurred in Kamchatka when eight people were killed after a tourist helicopter plunged into a lake.
The Mi-8 helicopter involved in that incident was also a Soviet-era model, which remains in widespread use across Russia for both civilian and military purposes.
The Mi-8T helicopter that went down on Saturday was designed during the Soviet era and is known for its durability and versatility.
However, the model’s continued use has raised questions about the safety of aging aircraft in Russia’s aviation industry.
Vityaz-Aero, the company that owned and operated the helicopter, specializes in organizing flights for tourists, offering unique experiences in one of Russia’s most picturesque and rugged regions. The company has not yet released a statement regarding the incident.
As the search for the remaining victims continues, Russian authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks associated with travel in Russia’s far-east, where sparse populations, rough terrain, and extreme weather conditions often create dangerous situations for both residents and visitors.
Authorities are urging caution as the investigation unfolds, and further updates are expected in the coming days.