Search continues for family of five

31.AUG.07

Barbados’ Attorney-General and Minister of Home Affairs, Dale Marshall, laid out a comprehensive plan of action for a resumption of recovery operations Wednesday, as the search for the five bodies buried under the rubble of the Arch Cot Terrace apartment building in Barbados continued.{{more}}

With the media authorised to enter the upper level of the 100-foot deep cavern Wednesday morning, the gaping orifice displayed the glaring extent of the challenge ahead for the recovery team.

Marshall, who was accepting of the task ahead, but confident in the abilities of the team to make headway in their operations, said: We have had challenges along the way. Every couple of hours, something new presents itself. We have to pause, do a reassessment and determine whether we continue on that track or whether we deviate somewhat, and that has been a constant feature but I dont think you could have seen a better effort than this.

Head of the Emergency Specialist Services, Dr. Brian Charles, also offered his perspective. He outlined the implications for the team of men charged with recovering the bodies, particularly the instability of the area of the cavern, which presents some difficulties for the personnel attempting to crawl through debris in the search for the five missing bodies buried under the collapsed apartments since Sunday morning.

Of utmost importance to Charles was a recovery of the bodies, which minimises any risk of dismemberment and ensures the public health aspects.

Closure is the main focus for all involved, not least of which the family, who continue their vigil for their trapped family members.