Search teams find victims, mangled metal of AirAsia plane – Part 1

HARI SREENIVASAN:

We begin with that missing airliner in Indonesia.

The mystery came into better focus today when search teams found the remains of victims and mangled metal off the coast of Borneo. Shaken, grieving relatives of the victims filed out of a crisis center in Surabaya after their agonizing wait ended with a jolt.

A short time earlier, as they watched Indonesian television, images of bodies and wreckage flashed on screen with no warning. The multinational search had found what it was looking for in the Java Sea, as Indonesia's national search-and-rescue chief confirmed.

HENRY BAMBANG SULISTYO, Chief of National Search and Rescue, Indonesia (through interpreter): The area was where the plane crashed, and the debris came from the missing plane that we have been searching for.

HARI SREENIVASAN:

The drama began Sunday when AirAsia Flight 8501 left Surabaya, Indonesia, on a two-hour trip to Singapore; 162 people, mostly Indonesians, were on board. But the plane disappeared off radar, without warning, about halfway into its route, traveling through stormy weather.

Searchers found the first debris about 10 miles from the plane's last known location in less than 100 feet of water. Initial efforts brought back a blue suitcase, an oxygen tank and aircraft parts matching the serial number of the lost plane.

Even after the discovery, some refused to give up on the chance their loved ones might have survived.

KRISTIN MAUREN, Friend of Passenger (through interpreter): I still hope that they can find the plane, and, from the bottom of my heart, I want them to still be alive.

HARI SREENIVASAN:

But, for most, the grim reality set in, and the Indonesian president arrived at the Surabaya airport to offer what comfort he could.

PRESIDENT JOKO WIDODO, Indonesia (through interpreter):

My deep condolences go out to the families of the passengers and crew. I am feeling their loss and pray that they are given all the courage and strength to face this tragedy.

HARI SREENIVASAN:

AirAsia's CEO, Tony Fernandes, also spoke again today, expressing deep regrets over the carrier's first fatal crash.

TONY FERNANDES, CEO, AirAsia Group:

I apologize profusely for what they're going through. I am the leader of this company, and I have to take responsibility. It is the worst feeling one could have. But we stay strong for the families out there to ensure that we can look after them even after this incident.

HARI SREENIVASAN:

The search operation now shifts to retrieving more bodies and finding more of the plane. About 30 ships, 15 aircraft, and seven helicopters from six countries are assisting in the effort, and the destroyer USS Sampson is heading to the scene.

Dozens of elite military divers will also comb the underwater site, looking especially for the plane's black box recorders. Their data may tell exactly what happened to Flight 8501.