Missing captain, son and crew named as BOURBON DOLPHIN salvage begins
Divers find no trace of life in BOURBON DOLPHIN, salvage in earnest begins tomorrow.

The Dutch salvage contactors Smit Salvage are expected to start salvage operations of the capsized BOURBON DOLPHIN in earnest at 12 noon on Sunday.

The salvage operation plan is to recover the chain between the Transocean Rather rig and the Bourbon Dolphin. The OLYMPIC HERCULES and the VIDER VIKING remain on scene to assist in the recovery of the chain; the HIGHLAND VALOUR  is also expected to be on scene later tonight to support the operation.

Eventually Smit Salvage hope to be able to tow the BOURBON DOLPHIN back to Shetland.

SMIT Salvage has been contracted by Bourbon Offshore Norway to take charge as project manager, under an assistance contract, to carry out the salvage operations.

Particular attention will be given to these operations that could lead to the discovery of the bodies of the missing seamen.

All Bourbon Offshore Norway staff remain mobilized, the company said, constantly in contact with the families of the seamen, to support and help them over this tragic period.

Meanwhile a press conference on the accident was held on Saturday April 14th at 11:00 am at Fosnavåg by Bourbon Offshore Norway and the Norwegian police. The Managing Director disclosed the names of the missing people during the conference:

Ronny Emblem (25), Ålesund
Bjarte Grimstad (37), Hareid
Søren Kroer (27), Ørum Djurs, Denmark
Frank Nygård (42), Hareid
Kjetil Rune Våge (31), Ålesund
Tor Karl Sandø (54), Ålesund

Also confirmed as missing are the ship's captain Oddne Arve Remøy aged 44 and his 14 year old son (previous reports had given his age as 15), David  who came from Herøy in Norway. David is believed to have been on a work experience with his father.

Experts and officials hold out little hope that any of the missing will be found alive. Royal Navy divers on three attempts on Friday found no traces of life in the ship's upturned hull.

Three of the missing have died. They were amongst the ten crewmen who were rescued shortly after the incident.

Bourbon Offshore Norway say they are in close contact with the families, both in Norway and the Shetland Islands and are doing their utmost to support them in every way possible. Today Bourbon's  CEO, Jacques de Chateauvieux,  sent out an emotional statement saying that everyone had been speechless and tearful at the news of the tragedy. He said thanks to all of the people involved in the rescue operations and people around the world who had sent messages of support.

Now as salvage operations begin, he said the focus was on caring for people and families affected by the accident.

"It will be our duty to the memory of our lost crew members, to the world offshore industry, as well as a testimony to our endless commitment to safety, to make sure everything is done to prevent such a tragedy happening again." he said.

For earlier report on BOURBON DOLPHIN click here