India, March 22 -- Six people died after a helicopter crashed in Qatar's territorial waters, the Gulf country's defence ministry said on Sunday, as search operations continue for one missing person.

Those who lost their lives include three Turkish nationals, among them a serviceman, and three Qatari servicemen. The Ministry of Interior later said seven people were on board at the time of the crash.

Rescue teams have recovered six bodies so far, while efforts are ongoing to locate the seventh individual.

The defence ministry also said the helicopter went down following a "technical malfunction" during routine duty.

Officials said specialized teams are continuing "intensive search operations" in the area as part of the recovery mission....