Helicopter from China´s exploration ship crashes

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-13-2009 08:50

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China's Antarctic exploration ship, the Xuelong, has returned home to Shanghai.But the occasion was marred by a last-minute accident. A helicopter from the ship crashed into the East China Sea. One person is missing.

Rescuers lift out of water the wreckage of a helicopter  which served China's Antarctic exploration ship, Xuelong  in the East China Sea off Shanghai on Sunday, April 12,  2009.[Photo: Xinhuanet]

Officials say four people were onboard when the helicopter crashed near the estuary of the Yangtze River. Three have been rescued and are in stable condition. Authorities have dispatched three rescue boats to search for the missing person.

The Xuelong arrived at a Shanghai dock after concluding the longest expedition trip in China's history. The helicopter crashed just after taking off from the ship. The cause of the accident hasn't been determined.