The flight data recorder (FDR) of crashed Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 has been recovered from the Java Sea, three days after the plane went down on its journey from Jakarta to Pontianak for the believed loss of 62 lives. The finding comes as the first names of those on board the aircraft are becoming known.
Divers search
The FDR was retrieved by Indonesian divers on 12 January, around 20m down in water between the islands of Lancang and Laki. The islands are part of the Thousand Islands island chain just north-west of Jakarta’s coast, around 20km from the capital’s Soekarno-Hatta international airport.
A radio beacon for the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) has also been located in the same area, suggesting it will be found soon, although diving operations were temporarily suspended on 13 January due to the weather.
Data from the FDR is expected to be downloaded and analysed over the next few days.
Flight SJ182 disappeared from radar four minutes into its flight from Indonesian capital Jakarta to Pontianak on the island of Borneo. First reports of an incident came from fishermen working off the Thousand Islands.
Investigations into the plane, a 26-year old Boeing 737-500 that had been mothballed until late December due to the coronavirus pandemic, are also underway. A team of technical experts is being sent by the US National Transportation Safety Board to assist the Indonesian government’s investigation of the crash
Passengers identified
While recovery operations continue, the picture of those aboard flight SJ182 has become clearer. Names of the 50 passengers, 6 working crew and 6 deadhead crew have begun circulating. Seven of those on board were children.
Among the believed victims are multiple members of the same families. A pregnant mother travelling with her daughter, nephew, uncle and aunt are amongst those reported missing by relatives. It is also believed that another family lost five members: a married couple, their baby, and the husband’s mother and cousin. The husband worked for Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
The 54-year old captain and 34-year-old co-pilot have been named as Afwan, who goes by one name, and Diego Mamahit respectively. A 29-year old flight attendant, Okky Bisma, was the first person formally identified by Indonesia police. All persons on board the flight are believed to have been Indonesian.
We will continue to bring you the latest as we receive it.
