KOMOTINI, Greece

A military helicopter operating off a Canadian frigate crashed into the Ionian Sea, Greek state TV reported Wednesday.

Broadcaster ERT said the helicopter, with three to six personnel on board, was taking part in a NATO operation.

Italian and Turkish frigates have begun search operations for the aircraft, which crashed west of the Greek island of Cephalonia.

The helicopter went missing after taking off from the Canadian frigate Fredericton.

Colonel Juanita Chang from the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe confirmed the incident involving a helicopter from a ship under NATO command. 

”There is currently a search and rescue operation being conducted and national notifications taking place,” Chang added.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar