Several bodies found after helicopter crash in Russia's far east

Several bodies have been found in the wreckage of a helicopter crash on the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia's far east, authorities announced on Saturday.

They were discovered at a depth of 110 metres using special technology, said the authorities, who did not give a figure.

Eight people were considered missing after the helicopter with 13 passengers and three crew members on board crashed into a lake in the Kronotsky Nature Preserve during a sightseeing tour on Thursday.

There was no hope of finding them alive.

Eight people were able to swim to shore or were brought to safety by rescue teams after the crash. The wreckage of the aircraft was discovered on Friday in the lake, which is about 5 degrees cold.

The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.

At the time of the accident, dense fog was reportedly over the lake. The operating company said the aircraft was routinely maintained.