17 bags recovered from the seaplane crash site

17 luggage bags have been recovered from the crash site of the Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) seaplane.

As the MNDF has been diving at the site since yesterday, sources tell Sun Media that 17 bags belonging to the tourists were recovered today. One bag and two phones were recovered yesterday.

“There is still luggage in the area, MNDF would dive tomorrow as well.” An official from the government said.

Sources say that ropes are now in place to recover the plane that is now 38 meters deep in the sea.

Information Officer of MNDF, Adnaan Mohamed told Sun Media today that the recovery of the plane started yesterday and it is unclear when exactly the plane would be recovered.

The TMA seaplane was submerged aside from the floats after the plane crashed around 5:30 last Thursday during an emergency landing. When a launch from the nearby Kureddhoo went to rescue the passengers and the crew, the plane was not completely submerged. Moments after the passengers and crew were rescued, the plane submerged completely.

There were 11 passengers and three crew members when the plane crashed. They were all rescued.

There has been no word as for the cause of the crash as TMA and the relevant authorities are continuing their investigating.