A Russian emergencies ministry’s Mi-8 helicopter with three crewmembers onboard has went missing over Lake Onega in Russia’s northwestern Republic of Karelia, the ministry said.

"Radio contacts with a Mii-8 helicopters of the Russian emergencies ministry’s northwestern rescue center, which was one a training flight over Lake Onega, was lost near the settlement of Derevyannoye, Republic of Karelia," it said, adding that there were three crewmembers onboard.

A search and rescue operation has been launched.

Rescuers are on their way to the site by air-cushioned vessels and snowmobiles.