REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PANGKALAN BUN -- Several joint diving teams are attempting to determine the weight of AirAsia QZ8501 fuselage to conduct further recovery operations, according to the National Search and Rescue (SAR) Agency.
"The team knew the location of the engine (of the aircraft). The divers should estimate the weight as it is still attached to the wing. Thus, we need to find the weight of the object in order to select the lifting equipment," Operational Director of the SAR Agency Supriyadi stated here on Wednesday (Jan. 14).
According to Supriyadi, the team comprising the Indonesian Navy, Mahakarya Geo Survey vessel, and the National SAR Agency's personnel will estimate the weight of the fuselage.
"We hope to discover other victims on the spot. At least 70 percent of the families are hoping that other bodies or belongings of the victims can be retrieved," Supriyadi stated.
Poor underwater visibility and waves reaching speeds of 5 knots have hindered the operation of the Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV).
"There are some difficulties for the divers and ROV in the field. The team has found the object by using sonar. But, they are facing difficulties in discovering the object," Supriyadi noted.
The estimation is being conducted to calculate the total number of balloons needed by the team to pull the fuselage to the sea's surface.
The SAR team will check whether any victims are still inside the fuselage.
"If we find the bodies of the victims, we will retrieve them. However, if no bodies are found, it is possible for the SAR Agency to recommend the operation to be stopped," Supriyadi affirmed.
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