De Beers said on Friday that it exploration program in Botswana will continue following an accident with its zeppelin airship yesterday.

The accident happened at the exploration base set up in the vicinity of the Jwaneng diamond mine.

According to a statement released today, a South African ground crew member on board was injured and received medical attention for bruises and cuts and will remain in hospital over night for observation.

The airship was not operating at the time, but was docked with the crew member on board and became detached from the mast-truck after an unusual and sudden wind occurrence.

De Beers said the extent of the damage is currently being assessed, while the Zeppelin component of the aerial and land based exploration work program has been suspended.

However, De Beers said it has other technologies that will enable the company to continue with the much larger and longer term exploration program.