One confirmed dead in army helicopter crash off the coast of Šibenik

A Croatian Air Force helicopter has crashed of the coast of Šibenik, between the island of Zlarin and Zablaća. One of the two pilots has been confirmed dead, while search and rescue efforts are underway for the second.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Damir Krstičević and the Chief of General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Šundov held a press conference today. Minister Krstičević said that the cause of the crash is being investigated.

“During exercise maneuvers in the area of the Zablaća and Zlarin islands, for reasons as yet unknown, the Kiowa Warrior military helicopter and her two man crew crashed into the sea. One of the pilots has been found but was unfortunately pronounced dead on the scene, an intensive search for the other pilot is underway. I have established a commission, led by the head military air-crash investigator, with the goal of establishing all of the circumstance that led to this tragedy,” Minister Krstičević said.

Defense Minister Damir Krstičević (Photo: Dino Stanin/PIXSELL)

The helicopter in question is the Kiowa Warrior. The Croatian Defense Ministry acquired 16 Kiowa Warriors from the United States in 2016. Their primary function is to respond to terrorist threats and assist in dealing with massive illegal migration.

“After we received information that the helicopter had gone down, I immediately ordered that all Kiowa Warrior helicopters be grounded until we can establish exactly what caused this tragedy. I too have formed a commission from the joint chiefs’ level to establish the cause of this horrible event,” concluded General Mirko Šundov.

Chief of General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Šundov (Photo: Dino Stanin/PIXSELL)

Source: HRT