The search operation for the pilot of the F-4 fighter aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force that crashed, yesterday, in a sea area off Katakolo Ilia, continues.

According to the estimates so far, it is likely that 31-year-old Flight Lieutenant Efstathios Tsitlakidis is tied to his aircraft seat. Yesterday, the co-pilot, Flying Officer Marios-Michail Turoutsikas, 29, was found dead.

Two divers from the Mobile Underwater and Marine Facilities Maintenance Group (KOSYFE) of the 206th Air Force Infrastructure Wing and three divers from the 31st Search and Rescue Operations Squadron are operating in the area.

Divers operate in a Coast Guard lifeboat with the help of an underwater robot capable of reaching depths of up to a hundred meters.

In addition, except for the Hellenic Navy’s S-70 and Super Puma helicopters that also operate in the evening, an Agusta Bell helicopter was also deployed in the search operation early in the morning.

Also read: F-4E Phantom | Invitation to technical dialogue for support of systems and equipment by HAF