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AirAsia flight QZ8501 crash: 40 bodies from missing plane found and 'emergency slide and plane door' spotted AirAsia flight QZ8501 crash: debris does belong to missing plane, 40 bodies from missing plane found and 'emergency slide and plane door' spotted
(about 1 hour later)
At least 40 bodies have been spotted and six recovered from missing AirAsia Flight QZ8501 amid reports that the plane door and emergency slide belonging to the passenger jet have been found and a “shadow” spotted on the seabed. Search teams have recovered at least 40 bodies and numerous pieces of wreckage from missing AirAsia Flight QZ8501 as search teams said that a “shadow” has been spotted on the seabed.
Around 10 objects have been found in the Java Sea, roughly six miles from where the plane lost contact with air traffic control, including what Indonesian air force officials claim are items resembling a plane door, emergency slide and the shadow of what appeared to be the outline of the Flight QZ8501 just under the water. Around 10 objects have been found in the Java Sea, roughly six miles from where the plane lost contact with air traffic control, including what Indonesian air force officials claim are items resembling a plane door, emergency slide and the shadow of what appeared to be the outline of the passenger jet.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by 20 knot winds and strong waves, however, additional ships are en route to discovery site which is 20 metres deep in places according to Indonesia's defence minister Ng Eng Hen. As distraught families waited for news of the rescue attempt, Indonesian news channel TVOne aired footage of one of the swollen bodies in split screen footage also capturing the anguish of relatives watching. The move was widely condemned as "cruel" on social media, adding that "TV One should be ashamed".
Indonesian officials told a press conference held this evening (local time) that permitting weather conditions recovery teams would continue through the night with additional divers and underwater survey ships arriving to help.  Very difficult to hear the screaming and crying relatives. They've been waiting for a miracle, but had to watch the worst possible news.
Joko Widodo, Indonesia's President, answer questions at a press conference. President Widodo told a press conference that the search would continue with the emphasis on finding passengers and crew. "To all relatives, I feel your loss. We all pray families will have strength to face this tragedy," he said. Additional ships and specialist divers en route will focus on finding the remaining passengers and crew, as well as the vitally important black box, amid tricky weather conditions of fog and large waves hampering an otherwise straightforward retrieval operation in relatively shallow water of 20 meters.
Indonesia's leader also took a moment to thank countries for their assistance.
President Widodo was seen with AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes going straight to meet families of the flight's passengers. The country's prime minister has also voiced his sympathy for those affected.
On behalf of all Malaysians, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those on Air Asia Indonesia QZ8501. We share your sorrow.
First Lieutenant Tri Wibowo, who was on board a Hercules during the first search operation, described finding the debris: "We thought that the passengers were still alive and waved at us for help. But when we approached closer [we saw] they were already dead."First Lieutenant Tri Wibowo, who was on board a Hercules during the first search operation, described finding the debris: "We thought that the passengers were still alive and waved at us for help. But when we approached closer [we saw] they were already dead."
"As we approached, the body seemed bloated," he told national Indonesian newspaper Kompas. "As we approached, the body seemed bloated," he told national Indonesian newspaper Kompas, adding that he could see three of the "seven to eight bodies" were "holding hands". He also confirmed that the bodies were not wearing life jackets.
National Search and Rescue Director SB Supriyadi later told reporters in Pangkalan Bun that bodies had been brought onto an Indonesian ship. The bodies, found off the coast of Borneo about 105 miles south of the town, were not reportedly wearing life jackets. Authorities are beginning to recover the bodies, which will be identified at Bhayangkara Hospital, in Surabaya, but there are conflicting reports emerging of how many have so far been retrieved and placed on board Indonesian warship Bung Tomo.
Indonesian navy spokesman Manahan Simorangkir told AFP: "Based on the navy radio, it has been reported that the warship Bung Tomo has retrieved 40 bodies and the number is growing". Conflicting reports indicate that far fewer bodies have been recovered.Indonesian navy spokesman Manahan Simorangkir told AFP: "Based on the navy radio, it has been reported that the warship Bung Tomo has retrieved 40 bodies and the number is growing". Conflicting reports indicate that far fewer bodies have been recovered.
The bodies are due to be identified at Bhayangkara Hospital, Surabaya, east Java, although the condition of the bodies remains unclear - possibly affecting the identification process. The recovered individuals are now on board Indonesian Navy ship KRI Bung Tomo. Search and Rescue Agency chief Henry Bambang Soelistyo told reporters "more than one" body had been recovered.
During the press conference, held at around 2pm local time, he said that search teams had seen a shadow underneath the water, allegedly in the shape of a plane as well as recovering white, red and black objects, including what appears to be a life jacket. AirAsia’s livery is red and white.
An Indonesian Navy helicopter assists in the search for missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 near Batam, south of SingaporeAn Indonesian Navy helicopter assists in the search for missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 near Batam, south of Singapore
AirAsia has released a statement confirming the find and offering "sincere sympathies" to the families of passengers and crew members. Messages for passengers on board the missing AirAsia flight 8501 are placed on a board at Changi International Airport in Singapore AirAsia has released a statement confirming the find and offering "sincere sympathies" to the families of passengers and crew members.
CEO Mr Fernandes also said in the statement: “I am absolutely devastated. This is a very difficult moment for all of us at AirAsia as we await further developments of the search and rescue operations but our first priority now is the wellbeing of the family members of those onboard QZ8501.”CEO Mr Fernandes also said in the statement: “I am absolutely devastated. This is a very difficult moment for all of us at AirAsia as we await further developments of the search and rescue operations but our first priority now is the wellbeing of the family members of those onboard QZ8501.”
He has arrived in Surabaya to see families and is reported as appearing "utterly dejected."He has arrived in Surabaya to see families and is reported as appearing "utterly dejected."
 
akarta's Air Force base commander Rear Marshal Dwi Putranto (C) and Indonesian Air Force crew show pieces recovered from the wreck Indonesia's vice-president is due to give a press conference in Jakarta shortly, as the president travels to Surabaya to meet families and view the crash site.
Search and Rescue Agency chief Henry Bambang Soelistyo told reporters "more than one" body had been recovered.
During the press conference, held at around 2pm local time, he said that search teams had seen a shadow underneath the water, allegedly in the shape of a plane.
Yusef Latif, a spokesperson for the Indonesian Search and Rescue team, said an Indonesian military aircraft saw white, red and black objects, including what appears to be a life jacket. AirAsia’s livery is red and white.
Very difficult to hear the screaming and crying relatives. They've been waiting for a miracle, but had to watch the worst possible news.
Relatives of the families  were visibly upset when local TV channels aired footage of the discovery, some of which appeared to show not only the debris but also a floating body.
BBC news teams based in Surabaya allegedly heard screaming and crying from inside the relatives crisis centre.
 
Asian TV News station Channel NewsAsia has apologised after they "inadvertently" aired images of the bodies taken from local channels.
My heart is filled with sadness for all the families involved in QZ 8501. On behalf of AirAsia my condolences ... http://t.co/OJGobL93cRMy heart is filled with sadness for all the families involved in QZ 8501. On behalf of AirAsia my condolences ... http://t.co/OJGobL93cR
I am rushing to Surabaya. Whatever we can do at Airasia we will be doing.I am rushing to Surabaya. Whatever we can do at Airasia we will be doing.
AirAsia released a statement confirming the discovery of the flight. Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Indonesia Sunu Widyatmoko said: “We are sorry to be here today under these tragic circumstances. We would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of those on board QZ8501. Our sympathies also go out to the families of our dear colleagues.” Commander of 1st Indonesian Air Force Operational Command Rear Marshall Dwi Putranto, right, shows airplane parts and a suitcase found floating on the water near the site where AirAsia Flight 8501 disappeared, during a press conference at the airbase in Pangkalan Bun, Central Borneo, Indonesia
The Airbus A320-200, carrying 162 individuals including one Briton and his young daughter, disappeared on Sunday while en route from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore. akarta's Air Force base commander Rear Marshal Dwi Putranto (C) and Indonesian Air Force crew show pieces recovered from the wreck
The Head of the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), FHB Bambang Soelistyo (C, seated) speaks to journalists during a news conference about the missing AirAasia plane, in Jakarta, Indonesia Indonesia's president Joko Widodo traveled to Surabaya to meet families and view the crash site, later giving a brief - if emotional - conference to the gathered press and families.
He told a press conference that the search would continue with the emphasis on finding passengers and crew. "To all relatives, I feel your loss. We all pray families will have strength to face this tragedy," he said.
President Widodo was seen with AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes going to meet families of the passengers. The country's prime minister has also voiced his sympathy for those affected.
On behalf of all Malaysians, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those on Air Asia Indonesia QZ8501. We share your sorrow.
The chief executive officer of AirAsia Indonesia Sunu Widyatmoko also expressed their sorrow. “We are sorry to be here today under these tragic circumstances. We would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of those on board QZ8501. Our sympathies also go out to the families of our dear colleagues.”
The Head of the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency Soelistyo speaks to journalists The Airbus A320-200, carrying 162 individuals including one Briton and his young daughter, disappeared on Sunday while en route from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore.
Graphics showing last location of #QZ8501 on Flightradar24 and location where debris and bodies have been found pic.twitter.com/DYtDmO2ZGgGraphics showing last location of #QZ8501 on Flightradar24 and location where debris and bodies have been found pic.twitter.com/DYtDmO2ZGg
An international rescue team has been launched with at least 30 ships, 15 aircrafts and seven helicopters scouring the sea around where the plane was last heard from. An international rescue team was been launched with at least 30 ships, 15 aircrafts and seven helicopters scouring the sea around where the plane was last heard from.
The United States announced it was sending the USS Sampson destroyer, joining teams from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Thailand also involved in the search, with local fishermen helping Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency chief Soelistyo told reporters.The United States announced it was sending the USS Sampson destroyer, joining teams from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Thailand also involved in the search, with local fishermen helping Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency chief Soelistyo told reporters.
Another shot of the debrisAnother shot of the debris
This is the second sighting of debris after a disappointment yesterday when two darken patches on the sea where initially believed to be oil slicks. They later emerged as clutches of coral underwater.This is the second sighting of debris after a disappointment yesterday when two darken patches on the sea where initially believed to be oil slicks. They later emerged as clutches of coral underwater.
The search has expanded to include not only the sea but nearby land, with two Indonesian helicopters scouring Pangkalan Bun island looking for any sign of wreckage earlier this morning.The search has expanded to include not only the sea but nearby land, with two Indonesian helicopters scouring Pangkalan Bun island looking for any sign of wreckage earlier this morning.
Family members of passengers onboard the missing Malaysian air carrier AirAsia flight QZ8501 react after watching news reports showing an unidentified body floating in the Java sea, inside the crisis-centre set up at Juanda International Airport in SurabayaFamily members of passengers onboard the missing Malaysian air carrier AirAsia flight QZ8501 react after watching news reports showing an unidentified body floating in the Java sea, inside the crisis-centre set up at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya
Additional helicopters were used to examine the land on the smaller islands of Bangka and Belitung to the east.  Captain Irianto's (the pilot of AirAsia QZ8501 flight) relatives and his wife Widiya Sukati (3rd L) Putri gather in his house at Sidoarjo in Surabaya, Indonesia Additional helicopters were used to examine the land on the smaller islands of Bangka and Belitung to the east. 
Nearly all the passengers and crew are Indonesians, who are frequent visitors to Singapore, particularly on holidays.Nearly all the passengers and crew are Indonesians, who are frequent visitors to Singapore, particularly on holidays.
The crash marks a tragic end to aviation in Southeast Asia in 2014. Mystery still surrounds the disappearance of MH370, which disappeared with all 239 passengers on board. The shooting down of MH17 over Ukraine killed all 298 passengers and crew and provoked international outrage amid an outpouring of grief.Additional reporting by Associated Press Indonesian people pray for passengers of the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 in Malang, East Java The crash marks a tragic end to aviation in Southeast Asia in 2014. Mystery still surrounds the disappearance of MH370, which disappeared with all 239 passengers on board. The shooting down of MH17 over Ukraine killed all 298 passengers and crew and provoked international outrage amid an outpouring of grief.Additional reporting by Associated Press