The large-scale search operation to recover the bodies and belongings of the victims of the Jeju Air passenger disaster has been concluded.
According to the authorities on 5th, the fire department, police, and the National Forensic Service completed the third search of the remaining tail fuselage the previous late evening.
No significant belongings or body parts were discovered, and the possibility of additional findings is low; hence, the search operation with extensive manpower has been decided to end.
The authorities conducted recovery operations for bodies and belongings in the accident site and its surroundings, including the fuselage, runway, and reed fields, for seven days following the accident. All 179 deceased victims were recovered, and belongings with clear owners were delivered to their families.
The bodies of the victims have been delivered to their families following procedures, and the delivery is expected to be mostly completed by today. As of 9 a.m., a total of 151 victims have been delivered, and the remaining 25 victims, except for three (one family), are expected to be handed over to their families by this morning.
Out of over 150 pieces of belongings, 204 items belonging to 128 individuals have been delivered. Belongings without identifiable owners are being guided to be identified and retrieved by the families.
With most of the families dispersed to proceed with funeral arrangements, the government briefing held at the airport concourse will be concluded today. However, the family support center, where officials from various government ministries are gathered at the airport, will remain in its current location, and the dedicated civil servant support system will continue.
Some of the temporary tents set up for families to rest will also be taken down, leaving about 100 in place.
The representatives of the bereaved families plan to hold a full family meeting on the coming 11th, when most of the funeral procedures will be completed, to discuss future response directions.