Search north-west of Cocos Island suspended
4 November 2009
The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Brendan O’Connor, announced that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) had at 10:30am today (AEDST) suspended the search for survivors of a vessel that sank approximately 640km north west of Cocos Island.
“Medical advice received indicates that there is no further chance of survivability.
“This is a tragic incident,” Mr O’Connor said.
The search has been ongoing since the early hours of 2 November after AMSA received reports that the vessel had sunk at 11.15pm on Sunday 1 November.
During the search, eight aircraft and three vessels were involved. Twenty-seven survivors were recovered from the sea – 26 males and a 15 year-old boy. All are believed to be Sri Lankan. Tragically, one body was also retrieved from the sea, and another 11 people were not recovered.
LNG Pioneer is now enroute to Christmas Island with all survivors and the body of the deceased male.
“Once the 27 survivors arrive at Christmas Island they will receive appropriate medical treatment and mental health support, including grief counselling. Their health and wellbeing is our first priority.
“Other checks, including identity and reasons for travel, will commence in due course,” Mr O’Connor added.
Media Contact:
Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567
Customs & Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793
