The search and retrieval operation for the wreckage of the AirAsia Indonesia Flight QZ8501 has finally some to an end. Recent announcements from the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) Air Chief Marshal F.H Bambang also narrates that there have been no remains found in the priimarty search areas of the Karimate Strait and Makassar Strait in the past weeks leading BASARNAS to officially stop the main search and rescue operation effective on March 3, 2015.
Search and rescue operations of the small scale vessels and a team of divers doing retrieval in the area are still given seven more days to continue the search. After a week, all retrieval operations should cease to continue and should all be terminated.
It was mentioned earlier here in VCPost that a schedule meeting together with the relatives of the passengers and crews of the flight are going to be held any time soon to officially conclude the termination of the SAR. The said meeting together with the families, BASARNAS and Air Asia Indonesia's management and the was also scheduled last Tuesday, March 3 at the crisis center in Mahameru Hall, East Java Region Police Headquarters, Surabaya.
In the official statement released by AirAsia on their website Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia commented, "First and foremost, we once again would like to extend our deepest condolences to all the families and loved ones of the passengers on board QZ 8501. As the main operation comes to an end, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to BASARNAS for their tremendous efforts in locating our aircraft and rescuing our passengers. We would also like to thank DVI POLRI, East Java Police Department, Surabaya Government Office, Surabaya District Court, Financial Services Authorities, Public Notary and all other institutions who have provided us with endless support and assistance. We will forever cherish each and every one who has walked with us through this difficult time," he added.
Meanwhile 94 bodies have already been identified by the Disaster Victim Identification Police Department Republic of Indonesia. Only 6 bodies are left to be identified as of Tuesday.
Join the Conversation