The first picture has been released of the Polish family who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight on Bank Holiday Monday.

Victims Named Locally

The victims have been named locally as a much-loved Polish mother and her partner, who were on board the aircraft when it came down in a field off the A3020 Shanklin Road shortly after 9.20am on 25 August.

The couple, both in their 50s, died instantly when the Robinson R55 helicopter – which had taken off from Sandown Airport just minutes earlier – spiralled out of control and crashed near Whitely Bank. Two other people on board remain in hospital, one of them in a critical condition.

Family Devastated

In a statement, relatives said:

“On 25 August, our beloved mum and her partner tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. This sudden and devastating event has left us heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss. We are now trying to bring them both back to Poland so they can be laid to rest with their families, in the place they called home.”

Loved ones have launched a fundraising appeal to cover repatriation and funeral costs, saying the family cannot manage the expense alone.

Witness Accounts

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter “spiralling” before hitting the ground, with emergency crews racing to the scene. Despite the efforts of paramedics and fire crews, the couple could not be saved.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Community Shock

The crash, which happened during one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year, has stunned both locals and the island’s Polish community. Floral tributes have already begun to appear near the crash site.

Those first on scene are understood to have pulled 4 individuals from the wreckage to begin CPR, some injuring themselves on shrapnel in the process.

Sadly, it has been confirmed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary that a total of 3 people were pronounced dead at the scene and 1 person, who sustained serious injuries, has been flown to Southampton General Hospital for specialist treatment.

Those who responded to the incident including multiple Police officers, 4 ambulance crews and 3 specialist paramedics, firefighters from Shanklin, Ventnor and Newport, flying medics from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and HM Coastguard.

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, has tonight said:

“My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the three people who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash this morning. My thoughts are also with the fourth individual who remains in hospital in a critical condition.

“This is a devastating incident that has deeply shocked the local community. The families affected are being supported during this incredibly difficult time.

“I want to thank all of our emergency services for their swift and dedicated response, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and hospital staff.

“The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has now launched a formal investigation into the crash, and we await further details as they work to understand what happened.

“This is a heart breaking day for the Isle of Wight, and my thoughts remain firmly with everyone affected.”

Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East, has said:

“My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash outside Shanklin today.

“It is very sad and tragic news during what should have been a happy bankholiday helicopter flight from Sandown Airport. The whole community is in shock.

“My sincere thanks to all the emergency services personnel who have been involved and to the investigators for their work ahead”.