AirAsia Indonesia Flight QZ8501 Update

Surabaya (As of January 5, 2015) – Weather was still the primary challenge for today’s SAR operation lead by The National Search and Rescue Agency Republic of Indonesia (BASARNAS) with reported waves of 4 – 5 meters.

The search area is currently focused in the east part of the Java Sea where more than 50 vessels, helicopters and more than 80 deep divers are observing the area.

BASARNAS confirmed to have recovered 3 more remains from the SAR operations held today and more debris found in the area such as passengers seats and oxygen masks. The three remains are already arrived in Surabaya today for identification.

Earlier this morning, Indonesian National Armed Force Commander, General Moeldoko, and Indonesian Police Chief, General Sutarman visited the crisis center at Bhayangkara Hospital, Surabaya. Both Generals came to extend their condolences to the families and relatives of QZ 8501 passengers.

Indonesian National Armed Force Commander urged the families to be patient as the search and evacuation process is still underway supported by the navy, marines and air force. Families were also invited to join a ceremony to sow flowers around the search area, of which date will be announced later. As for this plan, Indonesian National Armed Force Commander will dedicate an aircraft, vessels and accommodation for the families.

The Disaster Victim Identification Police Department Republic of Indonesia (DVI POLRI) announced that they have identified 4 more remains of QZ 8501 passengers as: Tony Linaksita (male), Shiane Josal (female), Lim Yan Koen (male) and Yongki Jou (male). AirAsia Indonesia officially handed over the remains to the respective families at Bhayangkara Hospital, Surabaya this afternoon.

To date, BASARNAS confirmed to have recovered 37 remains, of which 13 remains have been identified by the Disaster Victim IdentificationPolice Department of Republic of Indonesia (DVI POLRI) with 24 remains awaiting identification. Police Department confirmed that they have deployed a total of 229 DVI experts to help the identification process.

SAR efforts will continue tomorrow with waves forecasted to be at 2 – 3 meters. BASARNAS also confirms that 5 vessels have been deployed to focus on the blackbox search.

AirAsia would like to take this opportunity to urge the public seeking progress on the search and evacuation and identification process of QZ 8501 passengers to refer solely to official information from BASARNAS and DVI Polri.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and friends of our passengers and colleagues on board QZ 8501.