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Gabon crash kills French soldiers Gabon crash kills French soldiers
(about 4 hours later)
A military helicopter with 10 French soldiers on board has crashed into the sea off the African state of Gabon, killing at least two. Divers searching for the crew of a French military helicopter that crashed into the sea off the African state of Gabon have found five more bodies.
The French military said three soldiers survived the crash, but one later died from injuries. One body was pulled from the water, and six men remain missing. Seven soldiers are now known to have died in the crash. Two survived the crash, and one is still missing.
Officials say the helicopter came down near Port Gentil during a joint exercise with Gabonese troops. Officials say the helicopter came down near Port Gentil shortly after taking off from a French naval vessel during a joint exercise with Gabonese troops.
There is as yet no word on the cause of the crash.
French Defence Minister Herve Morin was travelling to the crash site.French Defence Minister Herve Morin was travelling to the crash site.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy ordered him to oversee the rescue operation, a spokesman said.French President Nicolas Sarkozy ordered him to oversee the rescue operation, a spokesman said.
There is no word on the cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after take-off from a vessel taking part in the joint exercise.