Northern Territory Police are yet to commence the process of interviewing survivors from the vessel following advice from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
The process of collating witness statements and forensic evidence continues in the NT Police Crime Command Operations Centre and Forensic Laboratories at the Peter McAulay Centre in Berrimah.
The team at Ashmore Reef have commenced interviews with Customs and Border Protection personnel and have seized debris following the explosion. They are expected back in Darwin with the debris and statements later this week.
Five persons have died as a consequence of this tragedy. Two bodies have not been recovered to date and Customs and Border Protection assets remain in the area maintaining a look out.
The Northern Territory Coroner has released the autopsy results from the 3 deceased persons who were brought to Darwin on Friday. The provisional cause of the deaths is drowning, subject to toxicology and other forensic pathology tests.
The bodies remain the responsibility of the Coroner and NT Police are responsible for determining their identity and in turn, identifying and notifying their next of kin.
A/Commander Bravos said while the cause of the explosion remains subject to further investigation, speculation and claims of a cover up are disappointing,
"Five people have tragically lost their lives. The least they deserve is a thorough and impartial investigation into what has caused the explosion leading to their deaths.
"It is important an investigation of this magnitude is allowed to run its proper course without rumour or interference.
"Northern Territory Police are committed to finding all the answers surrounding this tragedy and will not be responding to, or influenced by rumour. Our job is to investigate, not speculate," A/Commander Bravos said.
Acting Commander Bravos who is in charge of Operation Mentor also refuted claims of a 'cover up' expressing appreciation for full, multi-agency cooperation in maintaining the integrity of the investigation process,
"This is a police matter, and recognition of such by Government and Government agencies is appreciated. Speculation has the potential to compromise an investigation and as such, is not in anyone's interests.
"Any information and findings as a result of this thorough investigation are a matter for the Coroner who has announced this morning, will be subject to a public inquest. There is no cover up, there are no secrets and all findings will be in the public domain as part of this Coronial process in due course.
"We are in daily contact with the Coroner and any information that can reasonably be released provided it does not compromise the integrity of the investigation and subject to the approval of the Coroner, will be provided.
"Again, I ask for the cooperation of agencies and the public in enabling an impartial and thorough investigation to take its proper course" Acting Commander Bravos concluded.
Media Contact:
Katie Fowden
0401 116 540
