Madagascar’s police minister is recovering from a harrowing swim to safety following a helicopter crash off the island’s coast.
The Maritime and River Port Agency said two other people — the pilot and a military officer — are still missing, per BBC News.
On Tuesday, Madagascar’s Ministry of National Defenseshared a videoof Gelle recuperating after the ordeal. Despite being cold, Gelle said in the clip that he was not injured, AFP reported.
After swimming for about 12 hours, the pair reached shore separately on the northeast side of the island near Mahambo, Randrianantenaina explained.
Rescuers also located “the helicopter carcass at the bottom of the sea,” according to the Ministry of National Defense’s tweet.
“He has always had great stamina in sport, and he’s kept up this rhythm as minister, just like a 30-year-old,” Ravoavy told the French news agency.
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Ministry of National Defense Madagascar Twitter
At least 64 people have been found dead and 20 were still missing from the shipwreck as of Wednesday, BBC News reported. At least 45 people have been rescued.
President Rajoelinaoffered his condolencesto the families of the victims of the shipwreck and the missing helicopter personnel.
“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the sinking of a ship off Antsiraka and its terrible toll. My thoughts are with the victims and their bereaved loved ones,” he wrote, as translated on Twitter. “I solemnly pray for the rest of their souls.”
Rajoelina added, “My thoughts are also on the helicopter pilot, Colonel Hery Rakotomiliarison and Colonel Olivier Andrianambinina sent to the area,victims of a crash, still missing. Courage to their loved ones and their families in this ordeal.”
source: people.com
