Press release

UK confirms suspension of Cheeki Rafiki search

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp US Coast Guard has confirmed that the search for the crew of the ‘Cheeki Rafikiâ€� yacht, which disappeared on 16 May, has now been suspended.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Despite an extensive search operation co-ordinated by the US Coast Guard, which involved planes from the US, Canada and the UK, as well as US Navy and Coastguard ships, and merchant vessels, the missing sailors have not been located. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp US Coast Guard has now made the exceptionally difficult decision to conclude operations.

Foreign Office Minister for North America, Hugh Robertson, said:

I am sad to confirm that the search for the ‘Cheeki Rafiki� has now been suspended. My sincere condolences go out to the families of James Male, Andrew Bridge, Steve Warren and Paul Goslin at this very difficult and distressing time.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp UK government is grateful to the US Coastguard and the Canadian search and rescue services for their efforts to locate the men. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappir dedication has been unwavering, and they have done everything they could during the course of the search.

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Published 24 May 2014