Below is an announcement supplied by the Office of the Press Secretary on behalf of President Obama:

The captain and crew of the El Faro had been Americans and Poles, women and men, skilled mariners and younger seamen. They had been beloved little kids and loving husbands and fathers. They had been devoted engineers, technicians and a prepare dinner. And these 33 sailors had been united by a bond that has linked our service provider mariners for greater than two centuries–a love of the ocean. As their ship battled the storm, they had been little doubt working as they lived– collectively, as one crew. This tragedy additionally reminds us that many of the items and merchandise we depend on on daily basis nonetheless transfer by sea. As Americans, our financial prosperity and high quality of life depend on women and men who serve aboard ships just like theEl Faro.

I thank everybody throughout our authorities and within the non-public sector who labored so tirelessly, on the ocean and within the air, day after day, within the huge seek for survivors. The investigation now underway may have the total assist of the U.S. authorities, as a result of the grieving households of the El Faro deserve solutions and since we now have to do every part in our energy to make sure the security of our individuals, together with those that work at sea. Today, 28 American households–from Florida to Maine–and 5 Polish households are heartbroken. May they be comforted, in some small method, in figuring out that they’ve the love and assist of their neighbors, the service provider mariner group and the American individuals. May God bless the women and men of the El Faro. May He consolation their households. And might He watch over and shield all those that serve at sea on behalf of us all.

FULL EL FARO COVERAGE

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