Rescuers located fragments of the Mi-8 helicopter that went down in Karelia, recovered from the depths of Lake Onega. A statement from Artur Parfenchikov, the president of the Republic of Karelia, confirmed the discovery and provided details on the ongoing search and recovery efforts. In a summarized update shared via a Telegram channel, Parfenchikov described the moment the team reached the accident site and the findings that followed.
At approximately 15:00, a remotely operated underwater vehicle was deployed to inspect the wreckage. The vehicle identified a heavily damaged helicopter fuselage resting at a depth of about 42 meters. The scene highlighted significant damage consistent with a high-impact event, while the surrounding lake bed showed no immediate evidence of secondary hazards that could complicate the recovery operations. The description underscored the careful, methodical approach required for underwater salvage work in cold, pressurized waters and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the debris to aid investigations.
Parfenchikov noted that response teams remain active within the emergency zone. The ongoing mission is a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, with the aim of stabilizing the site, collecting essential evidence, and facilitating any necessary rescue or recovery actions once access is secured. The president extended thoughts and strength to the families of the crew members, emphasizing that authorities are committed to providing support throughout this difficult process. The emotional toll of such incidents is acknowledged, and communication with relatives is maintained to keep them informed about developments as investigations proceed.
Earlier statements from Parfenchikov indicated that the helicopter crew, associated with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, had not been accounted for after the crash. This uncertainty prompted a rapid mobilization of search assets and an intensified search pattern across likely search corridors, combining surface reconnaissance with underwater inspection. The aim was to determine the status of all crew members and establish a clear understanding of the sequence of events that led to the loss of the aircraft.
Initial information from a TASS source within emergency services suggested that the incident involved an Mi-8 helicopter operated by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Early assessments speculated on possible contributing factors, but officials cautioned that findings would need careful verification, pending a thorough investigation. This preliminary framing is common in the early stages of crisis response, as teams work to compile objective data from cockpit records, maintenance logs, weather observations, and radar data to reconstruct the flight path and identify any anomalies preceding the crash. The investigative process remains ongoing and methodical.
Preliminary analyses indicate that icing could have played a role in the mishap, potentially leading to engine failure and a loss of control. It is important to stress that such assessments are early and provisional. The aviation review teams will examine weather conditions, airframe performance, engine health, and crew communications to determine the most plausible sequence of events. The rapid progression of the situation would have left the crew with limited time to respond, underscoring the need for meticulous data gathering from all available sources to prevent premature conclusions. Visuals from the crash site have begun to emerge, offering clearer insight into the scale of impact and the environment in which the helicopter operated prior to the incident. These early images are instrumental for both investigators and the public in understanding the realities of the accident. [TASS]
As the operation moves forward, authorities reaffirm their commitment to transparency and thoroughness. The cooperation between regional authorities, rescue services, and aviation investigators is essential to piece together the events that culminated in the loss of the helicopter and to determine whether future preventive measures are warranted for similar missions. The focus remains on safety, accountability, and providing timely updates to keep communities informed while the investigation unfolds. The recovery effort continues to adapt to evolving conditions on Lake Onega, with teams coordinating surface and underwater activities to secure artefacts, preserve evidence, and support the families affected by this tragedy. [Source attribution: TASS]