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Russia Launches Search Operation for Helicopter Missing with 22 Aboard

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Helicopter Disappears in Kamchatka

A search-and-rescue mission is underway in Russia’s far east after a helicopter carrying 22 people, most of them tourists, went missing. The Mi-8T helicopter, operated by Vityaz-Aero, took off from a base near the Vachkazhets volcano in the Kamchatka Peninsula, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes and active volcanoes.

Thick Fog Hampers Search Efforts

The helicopter disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff, and thick fog in the area is making it difficult for rescuers to locate the missing aircraft. The crew members failed to make contact around 16:15 local time (04:15 GMT), and no issues were reported before the helicopter went off radar, according to the Kamchatka governor and emergency officials.

Search Continues Through the Night

The search is ongoing, with aerial operations extending into the night despite poor visibility. Ground teams are also scouring the Bystraya River valley, where the helicopter was supposed to fly.

Region’s Troubled Aviation History

Kamchatka, located over 6,000 km (3,730 miles) east of Moscow, is a popular tourist destination but has a history of aviation accidents, including two crashes within two months in 2021.

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