Search and Retrieval Operations of Doomed AirAsia Flight Continues

6th Jan 2015

The search and retrieval operations of the doomed flight have been ongoing despite the bad weather that has prevailed over the area.

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency Republic of Indonesia (BASARNAS) reported that the waves over the area have swollen up to 5 meters high, which could be dangerous for the teams.

The focused area is currently east portion of the Java Sea. The search and retrieval operations involve the deployment of over 50 vessels, helicopters, and over 80 divers.

BASARNAS was able to recover 3 more bodies, which they already transported to Surabaya for their identification. They also fished out more debris, which they believed belong to the missing plane. These include oxygen masks and passenger seats.

The country's National Armed Forces Commander, Gen. Moeldoko, and Indonesian Police Chief, General Sutarman, went to the crisis center at Bhayangkara Hospital in Surabaya to show their sympathy to the families and friends of the victims.

Gen. Moeldoko asked the families to stay patient while the search and retrieval operations are still ongoing. He also invited them to offer flowers around the search area where the wreckage was believed to have been lodged at the bottom on a later date. He said he will assign an aircraft especially for the occasion, as well as vessels big enough for those who join the ceremony. He also assured them that they will be given accommodation during the occasion.

The Disaster Victim Identification Police Department Republic of Indonesia (DVI POLRI), meanwhile, has identified four more bodies which they already turned over to their respective families. They include Tony Linaksita (male), Shiane Josal (female), Lim Yan Koen (male), and Yongki Jou (male).

Based on the latest data from BASARNAS, 37 bodies were already retrieved, 13 of which were already identified. According to the Police Department, they have employed 229 DVI experts for the identification of the remains.

The search and retrieval operations will continue, as weather forecast is expected to improve with waves up to 2-3 meters high.

BASARNAS also said that a total of 5 vessels are now involved in the search and retrieval of the plane's missing blackbox.