Crashed Chinese helicopter salvaged out of sea water

Source: Xinhua | 04-13-2009 08:28

SHANGHAI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers have lifted out of water the wreckage of a helicopter which served China's Antarctic exploration ship, Xuelong.

The wreckage of a helicopter from China's Antarctic  exploration ship Xuelong is hoisted up almost a nautical  mile from its crash site in the East China Sea off Shanghai,  April 12, 2009. (Xinhua)

The plane crashed in the East China Sea off Shanghai Sunday, two days after Xuelong returned to the city from its Antarctic mission.

The wreckage was out of water at 10:55 p.m. Sunday, about two and a half hours after divers found the wreckage almost a nautical mile from the crash site, said Sun Fumin, director of the East China Sea Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport.

The rescue boat shipped the wreckage to a nearby port. The search for the missing mechanic was continuing, Sun said.