Five people missing after firefighting helicopter crashes into river in Portugal in front of horrified tourists

FIVE people are missing after a firefighting helicopter crashed into a river in Portugal in front of horrified tourists.

The chopper was carrying six passengers but the pilot is said to have been rescued by a tourist boat following the terrifying plunge.

Alamy

Five people are missing after a helicopter crashed into the Douro river in Portugal[/caption]

The helicopter is said to be underwater in the Douro River following the smash in Cambres near the city of Lamego.

Local reports say the police are members of an emergency protection and help unit of the GPR police force called the UEPS.

The alarm was raised around 12.30pm this afternoon.

A vast search and rescue operation is now underway in the area.
GNR chief Mafalda Gomes de Almeida has confirmed the only person rescued so far is the helicopter pilot.