Helicopter with 22 Missing in Kamchatka

A Mi-8T helicopter carrying 22 people, including 19 tourists and three crew members, has gone missing in Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula after losing radar contact shortly after takeoff. The helicopter departed from a base near the Vachkazhets volcano and was headed to Nikolayevka when communication was lost around 16:15 (04:15 GMT). Thick fog has hindered search and rescue operations, which include aerial searches and ground teams focusing on a river valley along the helicopter's intended flight path. The region, known for its stunning landscapes and active volcanoes, has a history of aviation accidents, with previous incidents in 2021 resulting in multiple fatalities. Rescuers were dispatched immediately, although visibility challenges have complicated their efforts. The helicopter is operated by Vityaz-Aero, a company known for tourist flights in the area.