IMO Offers Support after Indonesia Ferry Accidents

IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos expressed shock and sadness following the devastating news of the loss of two passenger ferries, including the Senopati Nusantara, off the coasts of Sumatra and Java, Indonesia. He said, "It was with deep regret that we learnt of the incidents last Saturday and of the heavy loss of life involved, particularly on the Senopati Nusantara. The thoughts and prayers of the entire IMO membership, the Secretariat and myself go out to all those who have lost their lives and, of course, to their families, friends and loved ones." On learning of the incidents, Mitropoulos wrote to Hatta Rajasa, Minister for Transportation of Indonesia, and spoke to the Ambassador of Indonesia in London, to express sympathy and condolences and to offer IMO's assistance so that similar accidents are not repeated in the future. Mitropoulos also praised Indonesia's search and rescue efforts. He said, "The hard work of all those involved in the search and rescue operations are greatly appreciated, in particular because they had to be conducted under adverse weather conditions."