Mi-8 passengers were on a flight to inspect tourist infrastructure - PhosAgro head
MOSCOW. June 1 (Interfax) - The passengers of the Mi-8 helicopter that crashed in the Murmansk region, were not on a private flight, but were on a mission to inspect tourist infrastructure, said PhosAgro General Director Andrei Guryev.
"The flight was part of our joint effort to put fishing tourism infrastructure in place in the southern sector of the Kola Peninsula under an agreement between Apatit [PhosAgro's subsidiary] and the Murmansk regional government. The trip was initiated by Apatit General Director Alexei Grigoryev, who invited experts and regional government officials to look into the project's environmental aspects," he said.
"Some opposed the possible man-induced damage on the natural environment in the polar region. The invitation was accepted by all, including Vice Governor Sergei Skomorokhov who was in charge of environmental issues," Guryev said.
He denied media reports claiming that the flight was "private."
Guryev conveyed condolences to the victims' families and relatives. "It was a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to the families of the crash victims. I knew many of them and I worked with them, as well. They were professional, responsible and decent people who cared for the future of their region," he said.