site.btaNavy Helicopter Falls Down during Black Sea Exercise, Captain Dies

Navy Helicopter Falls Down
during Black Sea Exercise,
Captain Dies


Sofia, June 9 (BTA) - A Panther helicopter of the Bulgarian Navy fell in the sea water around 12:30 hrs. local time Friday while carrying out tasks during a tactical exercise codenamed Black Sea 2017. The three crew members were injured in the accident, the Defence Ministry said. Later, Bulgarian Navy Chief of Staff Capt. Georgi Penev said that the crew captain had died in hospital.

The victim is 38-year old Georgi Anastassov. The other two crew members sustained light injuries, according to the information.

The Defence Ministry said that the helicopter plunged down during manoeuvring seven miles to the east of the mouth of the Kamchiya River

The crew of the Druzki frigate and a diving team responded to the accident urgently and provided first aid to the injured. PK/ZH