Helicopter crashes into the sea off northern Evia

A helicopter crashed off the northern coast of the island of Evia, in central Greece, on Thursday. It is not known how many people were on board and whether they survived.

A search and rescue operation was underway.

The accident happened off the coast of Achladi amid heavy rain that has pounded the northern part of the island and central Greece since Wednesday.

State-run broadcaster ERT said it is an A-109 civil aviation helicopter that took off at 10.13 a.m. from Mantoudi in Evia and was heading to the industrial area of Volos. 

According to eyewitnesses in the area, the helicopter swerved shortly before it dived into the sea when they heard a loud noise.

The control tower lost contact with the helicopter for about half an hour before the crash.

The regional governor of Central Greece, Fanis Spanos, the deputy regional governor of Evia, Giorgos Kelaidis and the mayor of Mantoudi are rushing to the scene.

A video from the area shows the moment the helicopter crashed into the sea.