British couple on honeymoon die in helicopter crash on Greek island; pilot also killed

A British honeymooning couple, Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, perished alongside their pilot, Giorgos Raikos, when their private helicopter crashed on the Greek island of Sifnos on Monday. The aircraft went down in the Tholos area, just minutes before it was set to land at a heliport. Local residents reported hearing an unusual engine noise moments before the crash occurred, which caught fire and was largely destroyed upon impact.

The 55-year-old pilot, Giorgos Raikos, a former Hellenic Army veteran and professional helicopter pilot, was also killed in the accident. According to air traffic control, Raikos had informed them he was preparing to land when the crash took place, after which radio contact was reportedly lost. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by aviation authorities, considering factors such as flight records, weather conditions, and potential mechanical failure. Weather conditions at the time were reported as normal, with no strong winds.

The UK Foreign Office has stated that they are collaborating with Greek authorities and are prepared to provide support to the families of the victims. Greek authorities have initiated an investigation into the tragic incident.