It was to be followed by two other French planes based in Dakar, and a naval vessel currently cruising in the Gulf of Guinea, several days' sailing away.

BBC: Atlantic searched for lost plane

The Irish naval service vessel also has a team of divers, but they can only be used in perfect weather conditions.

BBC: Search for trawler set to intensify

In June, Brunei Investment Agency head Aziz Umar rushed to London to confer with the Sultan amid talks that their order for a new British naval defense vessel is threatened by the cash shortfall.

CNN: INTELLIGENCE

Last year HMS Clyde was the first vessel to emerge from the Hampshire naval base since 1967, when Leander-class frigate HMS Andromeda was completed.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Hampshire | Warship HMS Clyde is commissioned

China said the new vessel is part of a systematic upgrading of naval hardware.

BBC: China navy launches new stealth frigate

The ship, which led the UK's naval forces during the invasion of Iraq, is the fifth vessel to carry the name - the first saw battle in 1588 against the Spanish Armada.

BBC: HMS Ark Royal sold for scrap by Ministry of Defence