Sinking of the Esther Miracle: the government ends the search

Relatives and friends lay candles and flowers for those missing following the ferry disaster, at the port of Libreville, March 13, 2023. AFP - STEEVE JORDAN

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In Gabon, nearly a month after the sinking of the ferry Esther Miracle on March 9, there is almost no hope of finding survivors. The families still hoped that the remains of the seven people still missing would be found, but on Wednesday, April 5, the government announced the official end of the search.

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With our correspondent in Libreville, Yves Laurent Goma

The official statement announcing the end of the search was made in the early evening by the minister and government spokesman, Yves Fernand Manfoumbi. "For 10 days, the search has been fruitless. Only suitcases and other personal belongings of the ship's passengers were found. Also, in accordance with the technical advice, the cell in charge of search operations, the government has decided to officially end maritime searches as of today," he said.

► Read also Gabon: "I live a trauma that does not say its name," says a survivor of the "Esther Miracle"

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie By Nze had received behind closed doors at the headquarters of the Red Cross the families whose missing relatives have not yet been found. It was to inform them of this decision of the government. "We are unfortunately forced to stop the search there, but the state stands by the families to accompany them and naturally, we will do what is necessary to ensure that the families benefit from this support both moral and psychological," said the Prime Minister.

The official toll of this shipwreck is 30 dead, 7 missing and 124 survivors. The government has announced that death certificates will be issued to the families of the disappeared to allow them to mourn.

► Read also After the sinking of the "Esther Miracle", a Gabon still between questions and pain

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