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Offshore ship raised crashed Russian helicopter off Svalbard

A Russian helicopter which crashed into the sea with eight men off Svalbard on Oct 26, 2017, has been located on a water depth of 209 meters and was now to be lifted by the "Maersk Forza" which was expected to arrive on site in the morning of Nov 2. It remained unclear why the Russian helicopter of type MI-8 crashed into the sea on its way from the Pyramid at Longyearbyen in Svalbard to Barentsburg. On board were five crew members and three Russian researchers. After an intense search, the helicopter was located two to three kilometers off Barentsburg. A ROV which was sent down to the wreck found one of the bodies of the missing in a distance of about 130 meters from the helicopter. The body was picked up by the "G.O. Sars" and brought to Longyearbyen. The "Maersk Forza" is equipped with a 250-tonne hydramarine crane that will be able to lift the wreckage from the seabed. The operation is being carried out in cooperation with the Norwegian Accident Investigation Board, which also has accredited representatives from the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) and the Government Accident Investigation Board (SHT). A specialist from the Russian helicopter manufacturer will be present on the ship during the salvage to provide recommendations and handle the integrity of the helicopter while divers from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) will assist during the operation to ensure that no parts get lost. The salvage operation started on Nov 3 and was completed on Nov 4. Reports with photo and video: https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/luftfart/slik-ser-helikoptervraket-ut-etter-styrten-paa-svalbard/a/24174531/ https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2017/11/04/neergestortte-russische-legerhelikopter-geborgen-a1579981 https://maritimedanmark.dk/?Id=36446