Madagascar's police minister has beaten the odds to survive a helicopter crash. Serge Gelle, 57, swam to the mainland on Tuesday after his helicopter crashed into the Indian Ocean. Mr Gelle was one of two passengers who survived. They both swam for 12 hours to reach the shore. Gelle used a helicopter seat as a float. At least 39 people died in the disaster. A police spokesperson said the death toll could increase over the next few days.

Mr Gelle was in high spirits, but looked totally exhausted. He mustered up the energy to talk about his ordeal. He said he ejected from the aircraft after it hit trouble. A colleague spoke about Mr Gelle. He said: "Gelle has always had great stamina.…He has nerves of steel." Mr Gelle said: "My time to die hasn't come yet." He has served in the police force for 30 years. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.