Search for 4 missing Spanish Air Force crew after helicopter falls into sea off Canary Islands

MADRID – Spain's Air Force says rescue units are searching for four its members missing after their helicopter plunged into the sea off the Canary Islands.

The air force said on its Twitter account that the search was resumed at first light Thursday.

The helicopter, part of the air force's marine rescue service, crashed into the sea late Wednesday while flying some 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Fuerteventura island, off northwest Africa. One crew member was rescued.

The Canary Islands' emergency services department says army, coast guard and Spanish Red Cross units are taking part in the search operation.