ATHENS – A search-and-rescue operation to locate the missing pilot of a fallen Hellenic Airforce F-4 jet fighter continued on Tuesday, entering its second day. The plane crashed into the sea off the coast of Katakolo, Ilia on Monday morning, during a training exercise.

Two divers of the mobile team for the maintenance of submarines and marine facilities from the 206 Air Infrastructure Wing and three divers from the 31 Search and Rescue Operations Squadron are operating in the vicinity, with the assistance of a robot submarine that can reach depths of up to 100 metres.

In addition to a Hellenic Navy S-70 helicopter and a Super Puma that can also operate at night, an Agusta Bell helicopter joined the search and rescue operation at first light.

The dead body of the plane’s co-pilot, aged 29, has been recovered and a period of three-day mourning declared in the Greek armed forces.