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Search operation on the Kamchatka Peninsula
Photo: Kronotsky Nature Reserve / imago images / ITAR-TASS
13 vacationers in the far east of Russia took a helicopter flight over the Kronotsky nature reserve.
For reasons unknown so far, the helicopter crashed into a crater lake on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
Rescue workers have now recovered several corpses from the wreck lying at a depth of 110 meters.
The local authorities announced on Saturday that the dead were located using special technology.
According to Governor Vladimir Solodov, three bodies were found.
The search is to be continued on Sunday.
Eight people were missing after the accident on Thursday.
There is no longer any hope of finding her alive, they said.
Thick fog at the time of the accident
13 passengers and three crew members were on board the Mi-8 helicopter.
After the crash in the Kurilensee, eight people were able to swim to the shore on their own or were brought to safety by rescue teams.
The wreck of the machine was discovered on Friday in the lake, which was about five degrees cold.
At the time of the accident, thick fog is said to have lay over the lake.
The operating company assured that the machine had been serviced regularly.
The exact cause of the crash is still being investigated.
ala / dpa