A Swiss pilot aiming to become the first person to complete an intercontinental crossing using a jet-powered wing has told of his disappointment after being forced to ditch into the sea, but said he had done his "best".

Yves Rossy expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to attempt the crossing and pledged to take up future challenges with upgraded equipment.

The so-called Jet Man was aiming to cross from Africa to Europe with the jet-propelled wing strapped to his back.

But about 15 minutes after he took off from above Tangier in Morocco, Rossy parachuted into the sea.

Yves Rossy has ditched into the sea while trying to fly from Morocco to Spain on jet-powered wings (AP) Full Image

The 50-year-old daredevil said: "I would like to say thank you that I am here, still a little bit wet, but I am here.

"Thank you to the guys, pilots and divers - they did pick me up in the sea.

"We did train that option yesterday and it was good training because I was not lost in the middle of nowhere in the sea so first, thank you.

"Thereafter I am also a little bit disappointed because I like to go to the goal and my goal was the beach.

"I came not to the beach but I am also happy that I had the opportunity to try and I did my best.

"All the team did their best and again, thank you for that."