RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Video shows a Brazilian fire department chopper crashing into the waves while attempting to rescue a stranded swimmer.
Crews suddenly lost altitude and were submerged in the water off of the popular Copacabana Beach, according to Nine MSN.
Witnesses screamed during the incident, as the chopper’s blades kept spinning as it sunk deeper into the water.
Those on board the aircraft sustained minor injuries and the swimmer was rescued by a surfer.
A navy ship and a firefighter ship located the chopper and are planning to retrieve it later.
The fire department said an undetermined mechanical failure is the cause of the incident.