Recovery operations are underway for the firefighting helicopter that crashed into Lake Aoou near Metsovo on Thursday, 25 June 2026. The operation is being conducted with exceptional care due to the lake’s sensitive aquatic ecosystem.
Environmental Safeguards in Place
Special anti-pollution technology is being deployed by response teams. Containment booms and floating barriers have been installed at the crash site to prevent any potential fuel or fluid leaks from spreading across the lake’s fragile environment.
Underwater Work Underway
Four divers are working at the site—where the helicopter lies submerged at a depth of three metres—to detach certain components. Underwater footage secured by Greece’s public broadcaster ERT shows the aircraft resting on its side at the lakebed, alongside the divers carrying out recovery tasks.
Weather Hinders Progress
Strong winds in the area are generating significant wave action, hampering efforts to complete the operation. So far, crews have successfully towed the helicopter’s rotor assembly and plan to bring it ashore in the coming days, pending arrival of a heavy-duty crane vehicle.
Phased Recovery Plan
The recovery process follows a carefully calibrated sequence:
- Gradual inflation of lifting balloons to raise the aircraft to the lake’s surface;
- Controlled towing to a location accessible by crane;
- Final removal and decontamination, if required.
This method was chosen specifically to minimise disturbance to the lakebed and avoid stirring up sediment or pollutants.
Lake Aoou: A Key Alpine Ecosystem
Lake Aoou is an artificial alpine reservoir located in the heart of the Pindus mountain range—a vital freshwater system in northwestern Greece.
Next Steps: Forensic Investigation
Once recovered, the helicopter will be transported to Ioannina and secured in a specially designated police facility. Forensic experts will conduct an initial investigation into the cause of the crash. Following this, the aircraft will be shipped to the United States for further technical analysis.