Madagascar minister swims for 12 hours after rescue helicopter crashes, at least 64 killed in cargo ship sinking | world News

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A Madagascar government minister said he swam for 12 hours after his helicopter crashed into the sea during a rescue mission to a sinking ship, killing at least 64 people.

Police Minister Serge Gilly was part of a team searching the northeastern coast of the country after a cargo ship carrying 138 passengers sank illegally.

Officials said at least 64 people died, 24 were missing and 50 survivors were found.

With great sadness I learned of the sinking of a ship off Antsiraka and heavy losses. My thoughts are with the victims and their bereaved loved ones.

I solemnly pray for the rest of their souls. pic.twitter.com/nZzJsaYMtL

– Andrei Rajoelina (@SE_Rajoelina) December 21, 2021

Mr. Gilly recovered on a stretcher after surviving the accident and swimming in the water for hours.

He added, “I am alive, I have arrived safely at Mahambo and I am grateful to all the fishermen and villagers of Mahambo, as well as to the hotel manager Mr Jason.

“I was swimming from yesterday at 7.30 pm until today 7.30 am. It was not the time for my death, thank God”

Two other security officials who were with him in the helicopter also survived.

The Francia had left the city of Antanaambi in the early hours of Monday morning before heading south.

It was registered as a cargo vessel, so it was not authorized to carry passengers and that Antanaambi is not an official port, said Jean-Edmond Randrianantina, director general of the Sea and River Ports Agency.

It is believed that a hole in the hull caused the ship to sink.

“According to the information we were able to gather, water entered the engine room. The water started to rise and swallowed all the engines,” said Mr. Randrianantinaina.

“Then the ship started to sink. We don’t know exactly when the water started rising, but our interventions started around 9 am,” he added.

Three boats from the National Navy and the Maritime Agency continue to search for the missing.

President Andry Rajoelina paid tribute to those who died, writing on Twitter: “My thoughts are with the victims and their bereaved loved ones, and I pray deeply for the rest of their souls.

♦ GDI Serge GELLE, one of the passengers of the helicopter that crashed yesterday, was found safe and sound this morning near Mahambo. ☑️ Rescuers at #4° UPC also found the helicopter’s body on the sea floor. pic.twitter.com/sP2abwTMwB

– Ministry of National Defense of Madagascar (MDN_Madagascar) December 21, 2021

“My thoughts also are on the helicopter pilot, Colonel Heri Rakotomirisson and Colonel Olivier Andrianampenina who were sent to the area, the victims of a crash, still missing. Courage to their loved ones and families in this ordeal.

“I salute the full dedication of the Secretary of State for the Gendarmerie, General Serge Gilly, and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Andrianarison Latsara Jimmy, the survivors of the accident as their helicopter flew to the aid of the untouchables.

“The state is fully mobilized to provide all necessary assistance to the victims of these tragic events. Search operations are continuing to save lives,” he added.

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