A firefighting helicopter carrying a team of five specialists from the Emergency Protection and Relief Unit, along with the pilot, crashed into the Douro River in northern Portugal on Friday, August 30, 2024, at approximately 12:36 PM. The helicopter, returning from a mission to combat wildfires in the region, went down near the town of Samodães in the municipality of Lamego.
The bodies of four specialists were recovered from the river, while one crew member remains missing. The pilot, Luís Filipe Rebelo, who survived the crash, was pulled from the water by a nearby tourist boat. He was transported to a hospital in Porto, where he is being treated for severe injuries, including leg fractures. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased, pending notification of their families.
Rescue teams, including divers and specialized boats, were quickly deployed to the crash site. The search for the missing crew member has been complicated by the river’s challenging conditions, including strong currents and limited visibility, making the operation particularly difficult. Over 100 operatives are involved in the search, working tirelessly despite these obstacles.
The helicopter’s wreckage has been recovered and is now a critical piece of the investigation into the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest that the helicopter was returning to base after being called to a forest fire in Gestaço, Baião. When it crashed, the aircraft was close to its destination at the Armamar heliport in Lamego. A preliminary investigation suggests a possible technical error, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
The 14-year-old helicopter, owned by the Spanish company Babcock, was under contract with the Portuguese Air Force and managed by HTA Helicópteros, based in Loulé, Algarve.
The names of the victims, aged 29 to 45, have been released by the local media but have not been verified. Three were from Lamego, one from Moimenta da Beira, and the other from Castro Daire in the municipality of Viseu. The missing victim was seated next to the pilot at the time of the crash.
Rebelo’s condition is not life-threatening, but he is described as emotionally unstable, repeatedly inquiring about the fate of his colleagues. Rebelo, 44, with 15 years of experience, is known for his rigor and dedication to his profession. A close friend, Albano Cunha, emphasized that whatever caused the crash was unlikely due to pilot error.
In response to the devastating crash, Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Costa, officially declared a national day of mourning to honor the victims. The announcement reflects the deep sorrow felt across the nation, particularly during the critical wildfire season, when the contributions of these individuals were vital to the safety and protection of local communities. The loss of these brave professionals, who risked their lives daily to combat wildfires, has left a significant impact on the country.
As the investigation continues, efforts to locate the missing crew member will persist for several more days. Memorial services are being planned to honor those who lost their lives in the crash, and officials have pledged to provide support to the families of the deceased during this difficult time.
