Three crew members were killed after a Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Lake Onega, Karelia, according to the Ministry of Emergency.
The remains were discovered 11 kilometers from the coastline, with the lake’s depth at the site ranging between 40 to 50 meters, according to a statement made to TASS by the Russian ministry.
Search efforts were conducted by rescuers using snowmobiles and hovercraft in the vicinity of Derevyannoye village on Lake Onega.
The ministry has established an operational headquarters and a commission to probe into the crash, deploying over 140 personnel and 33 vehicles for the operation, which includes divers from the Leader center for high-risk rescue operations.
The underwater exploration will employ the Falcon, a remotely operated vehicle capable of diving up to 300 meters.
“The helicopter was piloted by an experienced crew with thousands of hours of flight time. During their work at the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry, the crew was repeatedly involved in searching and rescuing people in forests and water areas, extinguishing natural and man-made fires,” the emergency ministry told TASS.
“More than 140 specialists and 33 pieces of equipment were involved in the work, as well as divers from the Center for Special Risk Rescue Operations “Leader” of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia with a diving allowance of up to 60 meters. Work underwater will be carried out using the remote-controlled underwater vehicle “Falcon” (immersion depth up to 300 meters ),” the statement read.
