UK couple killed in Greek honeymoon helicopter crash

A British couple, Marie Ebert and Alex Cromie, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash while on honeymoon in Greece. The duo, along with their pilot Giorgos Raikos, perished when the private helicopter they were traveling in crashed and ignited a fire near the village of Tholos on the island of Sifnos. Initially, the couple were described as newlyweds embarking on their dream honeymoon in Greece.

The helicopter in question, a Bell 206, was flying near the Greek capital when the pilot declared they were preparing to land. However, there was no communication from the pilot after this declaration. Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter rapidly lost altitude and engulfed in flames after crashing.

The Greek civil aviation authority has suggested that the crash might have been due to a malfunction in the helicopter's tail rotor. The agency urged all operators using the Bell 206 model to inspect their tail rotors and tail rotor drive system before any takeoff.

Both Ebert and Cromie were mourned by their employers and those who worked with them. Ebert was described as a "much-loved and deeply respected" woman who was exceptional at her job and admired by everyone. Cromie was known to be "beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him."

The incident is currently under investigation by Greece's national agency on aviation and transportation safety. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office expressed their condolences, offering consular support to the bereaved families and maintaining contact with Greek authorities.