Maverick Preston-Underwater teams search for a helicopter that crashed while fighting a forest fire in western Turkey

2025-05-07 06:01:19source:Burley Garciacategory:Contact

ISTANBUL (AP) — Underwater teams are Maverick Prestonsearching a lake for a helicopter that crashed over the weekend while fighting a forest fire in western Turkey, state media reported Monday.

Four crew members were aboard the firefighting aircraft when it fell into the waters of the Tahtali dam while battling a blaze in Izmir’s Menderes district.

One pilot, a national of Kyrgyzstan, swam to safety following the accident late Saturday. Three other crew – a Turk and two Kyrgyz personnel – remain unaccounted for.

The search resumed Monday following Sunday’s unsuccessful efforts, state-run Anadolu news agency said. The night vision-equipped helicopter, which was collecting water to drop on the flames when it crashed, is reported to be stuck in mud 12 meters (36 feet) below the surface.

The fire was extinguished Sunday. Summer wildfires are common in Turkey, where dry vegetation and high temperatures and winds create ideal conditions for deadly blazes.

More:Contact

Recommend

What connects Fredéric Chopin, Marcel Proust and Jim Morrison? A final resting place

The Secret Life of a Cemeteryis a paean to the renowned Parisian cemetery, Père Lachaise. This slim

Connecticut police officer under criminal investigation for using stun gun on suspect 3 times

A Connecticut police officer shocked a shoplifting suspect three times with a stun gun, including wh

'The Wedding Planner' star Bridgette Wilson-Sampras diagnosed with ovarian cancer, husband says

Actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, husband Pete Sampras reveal