The Governmental Commission of Ukraine led by the First Deputy Minister of Transport said that they were completely satisfied with the progress of work carried out by the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Marine Department and Marine Police in the rescue operation relating to the Ukrainian citizens and the vessel. They considered the officers involved are highly professional and have used their utmost effort. The Ukrainian side expressed gratitude for that and to the officers and launch crews of Marine Police who rescued the six Ukrainian and one Chinese citizen.

The Hong Kong side thanked the Ukrainian side for their appreciation and support. The Hong Kong side highly respected the top importance and priority the Ukrainian side placed on the lives of the missing crew. The information and collaboration provided by the Ukrainian delegation to facilitate the rescue is invaluable and instrumental to the operation.

Taking into account the time passed from the day of the accident, the situation underwater and the extent of the deck area already searched by the FSD divers within the safety limit, both sides agreed that the operation has to move on to a next active phase of the search in the context of the salvaging work. The Ukrainian side would spare no effort in the salvaging work in the interest of the missing crew and their families. The Hong Kong side stands ready to provide any available information and assistance required by the salvaging team on their work.

Ends/Saturday, March 29, 2008