British couple on honeymoon killed in helicopter crash on Greek island

A British newlywed couple and their Greek pilot have died in a helicopter crash on the Greek island of Sifnos, police confirmed on Monday.

The victims were identified as Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, who had travelled to Greece for their honeymoon. The couple and the Greek pilot were killed when their private Bell 206 helicopter crashed just metres from a landing site.

Reports indicate that the newlyweds had boarded the helicopter in Markopoulo, near Athens, for the flight to the popular holiday destination.

Greece’s aviation safety authority has launched an investigation into the crash, with investigators expected to visit the scene to collect evidence and interview witnesses.

A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said the government was supporting the victims’ families and working with Greek authorities.

Cromie’s employer, investment firm Blackstone, expressed shock over his death, describing him as a well-liked colleague whose death had deeply saddened those who knew him.

Ebert, who worked as a senior specialist at consultancy firm Bain & Company, was also remembered by her colleagues following news of the accident.

A senior Greek police official told the Times that the crash occurred shortly before the helicopter was due to land at around 18:15 local time.

Sifnos Deputy Mayor Manolis Foundoulakis, who visited the crash site shortly after the incident, said there was very little of the aircraft left after the impact.

Another deputy mayor, Yiannis Rafeletos, said the island’s residents were devastated by the tragedy. He said witnesses living nearby reported hearing an unusual engine noise shortly before the helicopter crashed close to their homes.

Two of the victims were reportedly found inside the wreckage, while the third was located a short distance away.

Firefighters also battled a fire that broke out following the crash, with the flames brought under control later that evening.