KATHMANDU, Jan 18: A military helicopter with 10 French soldiers on board has crashed into the sea off the African state of Gabon on Sunday, killing at least one, BBC reported.
The French military say three soldiers survived but six are missing.
Related story
6 French citizens, 2 guides killed by gunmen at giraffe park
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 defense 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.
