Mi-8 Helicopter Carrying 22 Passengers Goes Missing in Russia's Far East, Search Operation Underway

A Mi-8 helicopter carrying 22 people has gone missing in Russia, sparking a large-scale search and rescue operation. The helicopter, which had taken off from Russia's far eastern region on Saturday, lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly after 4 PM local time.

According to media reports, the helicopter had 19 passengers and 3 cabin crew members on board. It was last reported flying near the Vachkazhets volcano in the Kamchatka Peninsula, a remote area known for its rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. The rescue teams have been deployed to locate the helicopter, but as of now, there has been no trace of it.

The missing helicopter is operated by Vityaz Aero, an airline that specializes in organizing tourist trips to remote regions of Russia. The Mi-8 model, designed in the 1960s, is a widely used twin-engine helicopter in many countries, including Russia. However, it has been involved in several accidents over the years, raising concerns about its safety.

Russia's far eastern regions are often covered in snow and ice, making them popular tourist destinations for those seeking adventure. It is speculated that the missing helicopter might have been returning with tourists when it disappeared.

Authorities have launched a full-scale search operation, scouring the area for any signs of the aircraft. The sudden disappearance has caused concern not only in Russia but around the world, as questions remain about the helicopter's last known location and the fate of those on board.

The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as the search continues.