The bodies of 18 victims have been recovered. This tragedy took place late in the evening on Monday. The efforts immediately resumed this morning as the worst of the storm passed. They continue as this message is being sent. To the families and friends of the passengers and crew who were lost, we offer our profound condolences and sympathy.
More complete details follow in the form of the press release prepared today.
We will continue to keep you informed of all developments. After further discussion with the families involved, we will keep you advised as to memorial funds and ongoing efforts to help those directly touched by this unprecedented event. To those who have called and written to express their sympathy, our deepest thanks. Please use email whenever possible, as we need our phone lines open to deal with the immediate problems over the next few days. As of Tuesday afternoon, the bodies of eighteen victims had been recovered.