The major search on the beach of Terschelling for the two missing after the collision near the island was discontinued on Friday evening, because there is too little visibility in the dark. Saturday morning there will not be another large-scale search. “We don’t know what the sea is doing. The bodies can wash ashore anywhere,” said the spokesperson for the Fryslân Security Region.
On Friday, emergency services searched the beach for the two missing, a 12-year-old child and an adult man who have been missing since the collision Friday morning. The Coast Guard has previously said that the chances are very small that the missing people are still alive. The collision was between a ferry and a water taxi. Eight people were in the water taxi, two of whom were killed. Their bodies have been recovered. Four people were injured and two people are missing.
After a few hours, the search at sea was scaled down. “That is the most terrible moment for emergency services there is,” said Mayor Caroline van de Pol of Terschelling on Friday afternoon. “You realize that saving is no longer realistic.”
terrible day
The safety region indicates that it is not possible to indicate where the bodies can wash ashore or when. “It can happen on Saturday, but also in a few days. We have no idea where to look.”
The mayor of Terschelling already spoke of a terrible day for the victims, relatives and also Terschellings. Work is underway on aftercare for the islanders. Deputy Mayor Erik de Groot van Harlingen also expressed his condolences to the victims, relatives and residents of the municipality. The investigation into the collision is still ongoing.
The municipality of Terschelling will hold a meeting at the town hall on Saturday between 10:00 and 12:00 in response to the boat accident. The meeting is intended, among other things, for people who have a question about the incident or who want to share something, the municipality reports on Twitter. Everyone is welcome.