Northern Territory Police with Australian Federal Police have returned to Darwin this morning with debris and a number of witness statements from personnel onboard the 'Ashmore Guardian' vessel.

The team effort included Customs and Border Protection Personnel who transported them to the reef onboard the 'Australian Customs and Border Protection Vessel Oceaneer' and assisted in the transfer of debris across vessels.

Acting Commander Bravos said the recovery of this debris was the result of quick thinking and hard work from Customs and Border Protection personnel who collected it carefully despite some items being extremely heavy and large,

"The exact details and descriptions of the debris will be subject to further forensic analysis which is currently underway at the NT Police Forensic Laboratories in Berrimah.

"However, while some pieces were very large and heavy, other pieces were very small and could easily have been lost.

"Thankfully, Customs and Border Protection personnel were quick to gather everything they could and store it until Police arrived to transfer it back to Darwin as evidence in this ongoing investigation.

"It is far too early to say how this latest evidence will assist in determining the cause of the explosion which killed five people, but as with any investigation, the more evidence we have, the better." A/Commander Bravos said.

The first three interviews with survivors have been completed and the fourth is expected to commence this afternoon at an immigration facility in Berrimah. No further details will be made available at this stage as the investigation remains in its early stages.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown with a large number of people yet to be interviewed, more images yet to be assessed and more evidence yet to be examined.

All findings in relation to this investigation will be a matter for the Coroner who has confirmed, will be subject to a public inquest.

Media Contact:
Katie Fowden
0401 116 540