Helicopter Crash on Greek Island: British Couple on Honeymoon Killed With Pilot on Sifnos

A young British couple on their honeymoon and their Greek pilot were killed after a private helicopter crashed on the Greek island of Sifnos on Monday, August 17, Greek police said. The victims were identified as newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert. The helicopter crashed just metres from a landing pad shortly before its scheduled landing.

The couple had reportedly taken the helicopter from Markopoulo, near Athens, to the popular holiday island. Greece's aviation safety authority is investigating the crash, with investigators due to reach the site on Tuesday, August 18, to collect evidence and speak to witnesses. Greece Helicopter Crash: 2 Fire Crew Dead, 2 Injured During Wildfire Operation; Video Surfaces.

British Couple Killed In Greek Island Helicopter Crash

Cromie and Ebert were in Greece for their honeymoon when the helicopter crashed on Sifnos. The third victim was the pilot, a Greek national. Police said all three people on board died in the crash. A senior police official told the Times that the crash happened shortly before the helicopter's scheduled landing time of 18:15 local time (16:15 GMT).

Helicopter Crashed Near Landing Pad

The private helicopter reportedly crashed within metres of the landing pad. Sifnos Deputy Mayor Manolis Foundoulakis reached the scene shortly after the incident and told local news site Newsit there was almost "nothing left" of the aircraft.

He said local residents saw the helicopter crash close to their homes and reported hearing a "bizarre engine noise coming from the aircraft" as it approached the landing area. Two victims were found inside the wreckage, while the third was located a short distance away, according to the deputy mayor.

A fire broke out following the crash, prompting firefighters to respond to the scene. The flames were extinguished by Monday evening. Authorities have since secured the area as investigators prepare to examine the wreckage and determine what caused the helicopter to crash.

Greece's aviation safety authority told the BBC that an investigation was under way. Investigators were expected to arrive at the crash site on Tuesday to gather evidence and speak with witnesses. The cause of the crash has not yet been established.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told the BBC: "Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and in contact with the Greek authorities." The British authorities are assisting the families as the investigation continues.

Cromie worked at asset management firm Blackstone. The company said in a statement: "We are shocked by the tragic passing of three people including our colleague Alex Cromie and his wife Marie Ebert, who were celebrating their honeymoon.

"Alex was beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him at Blackstone, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones." Ebert worked as a senior specialist at consultancy brand Bain & Company. Bain & Company said in a statement: "We are shocked to read reports of a tragic accident in Greece regarding one of our colleagues and her husband. "Our thoughts and support are with the families involved at this very difficult time."

The investigation will focus on the circumstances surrounding the helicopter's final moments, including reports of an unusual engine noise before the crash. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, the helicopter's flight information and witness accounts as they work to determine the cause.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2026 08:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).