A Croatian Air Force pilot was killed when a Kiowa OH-58 D helicopter crashed in the sea near the island of Zlarin off the coast of the central Dalmatian city of Sibenik on Monday morning. The defence ministry reported that the search for the second crew member is still ongoing.

The pilot was killed after the helicopter he was flying crashed into the channel during a training flight on Monday morning, at around 10:30.

The Defence Ministry and the Croatian Army and Air Force are deeply shocked by the accident and extend their condolences to the family of the killed Air Force serviceman, the ministry said.

Croatia obtained 16 Kiowa Warrior helicopters, made between 2010 and 2012, as a donation from the United States in December 2016.