Qatar helicopter crash kills 7, including 3 Turkish nationals UPDATED

Seven people were killed after a military helicopter crashed into the territorial waters of Qatar during a joint training mission, according to Türkiye's Defence Ministry.

“On the evening of March 21, a helicopter belonging to the Qatari Armed Forces, which was conducting training exercises as part of the joint command of the Qatari and Turkish armed forces, crashed into the sea due to a technical malfunction,” the Ministry's statement said.

Among the victims were four Qatari servicemen, one member of the Turkish Armed Forces, and two employees of the Turkish defence company ASELSAN.

The ministry emphasised that military cooperation between Türkiye and Qatar continues under existing agreements.

The exact cause of the crash will be determined following an investigation being conducted by the Qatari authorities.

14:53

Three Turkish citizens have been killed in a helicopter crash in Qatar, according to local media.

The Ministry of National Defence of Türkiye confirmed that one of the victims was a serviceman of the Turkish Armed Forces, while the other two were employees of ASELSAN, per local media.

The ministry also noted that military cooperation and coordination between Türkiye and Qatar continue within the framework of existing agreements and plans.

12:55

Six people have died in a military helicopter crash over Qatar’s territorial waters, the country’s Ministry of Interior reported on X.

A total of seven people were on board. Authorities said the search for the remaining person is ongoing.

“Search efforts have resulted in finding six out of seven who were on board. The death of those who were found has been confirmed,” the Ministry of Interior stated.

09:47

A Qatar Armed Forces helicopter has crashed in the country’s territorial waters, the Ministry of Defence said.

According to the ministry, the accident occurred due to a technical malfunction during a routine mission. A search and rescue operation is currently underway, Qatar News Agency reported.

The number of people on board has not yet been confirmed.

The Ministry of Interior said the search for crew members and passengers is being conducted by Qatar’s International Search and Rescue Group, along with units from the General Directorate of Coast Guard and Border Security.