A private helicopter carrying four American tourists and a Greek pilot crash-landed into Vouliagmeni Marina just after noon Sunday under unclear circumstances, but all five occupants escaped without serious injury, Greek authorities said.
The incident occurred in the affluent coastal suburb south of Athens.
The helicopter took off from the Astir helipad on the Athens Riviera for a sightseeing flight over the Saronic Gulf when the pilot detected a mechanical problem.
A coast guard spokesman told ERTNews that the pilot then instructed the four passengers to jump into the shallow water.
"The good news is that it happened very close to shore and they were able to get out on their own," the spokesman said.
Initial reports indicate the pilot remained onboard as the aircraft plunged into the sea.
Coast guard vessels and a private diver were immediately dispatched to secure the scene and retrieve personal belongings from the submerged aircraft.
The Hellenic Coast Guard headquarters is leading the investigation into the crash, which will also involve civil aviation authorities to determine the precise cause of the mechanical failure.
Video obtained by iefimerida.gr shows bystanders’ shock as the helicopter plummeted into the marina, its rotor still turning as it sank.
No visible injuries were reported among the passengers, who received initial treatment on the pier before being released.