The Madagascar police minister survived a helicopter crash in the sea. Together with another survivor, he swam twelve hours to land.
–
It reports Gaza authorities.
It was Monday that Minister of Police Serge Gelle (57) and three other officials were to inspect the accident site where a boat had sunk.
For unknown reasons, the helicopter they were in crashed. The accident happened off the northeast coast of the African island.
Together with a police officer, Gelle went for a swim after they apparently got out of the helicopter, writes The Guardian.
Twelve hours later, the two countries reached, separately. Then it was Tuesday morning.
– It’s not my time to die, said a clearly exhausted Gelle lying on a bed, still wearing a camouflage uniform.
According to Gelle, he swam from 7.30pm Monday night to 7.30am Tuesday morning.
– Nerves of steel
According to police chief Zafisambatra Ravoavy, Gelle had used one of the seats in the helicopter as a floating object while swimming towards land.
The Minister of Police has previously worked as a police officer for several decades, before he became a minister in the Gaza government in August.
“He has always had good endurance in sports, and he has kept this rhythm as a minister, just like a 30-year-old,” Ravoavy said, adding:
– He has nerves of steel.
Outside this coastal area, the crash happened:
