RABAT, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan navy rescued on Saturday a French boat off the northern Moroccan city of Casablanca.

A fighting unit and a helicopter of the Moroccan Royal Marine assisted a multihull boat named "Banque Populaire 9" which flew the French flag some 250 km off the coast of Casablanca, the Moroccan navy said in a statement.

After receiving an alert, the navy sent an offshore patrol vessel to the area. A helicopter also arrived at the scene to rescue the entire crew, the same source pointed out.

The crew, comprised three French, is in safety after receiving first aid assistance from a doctor of the Royal Marine.

They have been handed over to the French consular officials in Casablanca, the source added.