According to the Flightradar app, the helicopter took off from Vilsandi at 11:06. Around 11:08, it disappeared from the radar. At 11:15, the air and maritime rescue center received a report that a helicopter was in danger near Vilsandi.
PPA spokesperson Andres Tiik said that the helicopter capsized in the water. The floats under the helicopter's doors opened automatically. The people climbed out on their own and waited for rescuers. There were seven people on board: five adults and two children.
Rescuers, police officers, and the Vilsandi volunteer maritime rescue responded quickly. The volunteer team arrived at the scene within 20 minutes. The people were taken aboard a boat and transported to Vikati harbor. Everyone was warmed up and given a health check. No one required medical assistance.
Margo Peters, the operational head of PPA's Western Prefecture, said that the people had mild hypothermia and one person had back pain. The helicopter had taken off from Vilsandi and was en route to Tallinn. The exact cause of the incident is still unknown.
Tiik called it a fortunate accident, as all people survived. The rescue operations proceeded quickly, and the helicopter was swiftly towed out of the sea. No pollution occurred.
The helicopter belonged to the company Silberauto. The company's director, Margus Juhkam, said that all people are in good health. He thanked the volunteer rescuers and other services that responded promptly.