French navy

The coastguard said a French Navy Dauphin helicopter was monitoring the area where the boat sank "to confirm the successful recovery of all the castaways".

On the 7 February a reconnaissance mission set sail aboard a French navy vessel.

As part of the rescue operation, French officials said a Portuguese cargo ship and a Spanish hospital vessel were both diverted to the area and to help with the search, alongside the French navy.

A Portuguese cargo ship and a Spanish hospital vessel were both diverted to the area and to help with the search, alongside the French navy.

A French navy support and assistance vessel is also due to arrive in Mayotte on Thursday morning with 180 tonnes of freight on board.