DIG/ the Gabonese Prime Minister, Alain Claude Bilie-Bi-Nze, announced, on Wednesday April 5, 2023, to the families concerned, the end of the search for the last 7 victims of the sinking of the Esther Miracle, ferry of the company Royal Cost Marine, which occurred on March 9, 2023 at dawn, off Libreville.
“We are unfortunately forced to stop the research there, but the State stands by the side of the families to support them and naturally, we will do our best to ensure that the families benefit from this support, both moral and psychological”, declared the Head of Government.
« For 10 days, searches have been unsuccessful. Only suitcases and other personal effects of the ship’s passengers were found.
Also, in accordance with the technical opinion, the cell in charge of search operations, the government has decided to officially end maritime searches as of today. »indicated, for his part, the spokesman of the government, Yves-Fernand Mamfoumbi.
124 people were rescued while 30 remains were recovered, including 4 unidentified bodies.
Since this maritime disaster, several officials of the company concerned and of the Merchant Navy have been arrested for investigation purposes.
The Minister of Transport, Brice Constat Paillat also paid the price by resigning from the government.