5N-OSA
18th Jan 2009, 04:47
A military helicopter with 10 French soldiers on board has crashed into the sea off the African state of Gabon, killing at least one.
The French military say three soldiers survived but six are missing.
Officials say the helicopter had come down near the coastal city of Port Gentil during a joint exercise with Gabonese troops.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered defence minister to fly to Gabon to oversee the rescue operation.
There is no word on the cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after take-off.
BBC NEWS | Africa | French helicopter in Gabon crash (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7835920.stm)
The French military say three soldiers survived but six are missing.
Officials say the helicopter had come down near the coastal city of Port Gentil during a joint exercise with Gabonese troops.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered defence minister to fly to Gabon to oversee the rescue operation.
There is no word on the cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after take-off.
BBC NEWS | Africa | French helicopter in Gabon crash (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7835920.stm)