Support Extended to Swissair Families

The families and friends of those who died on Swissair Flight 111 will be accorded every consideration possible as they arrive in Nova Scotia today and in the days ahead, said Premier Russell MacLellan.

"Nova Scotians know we cannot lessen their sorrow, but we want to do whatever we can to comfort and assist those who suffered a personal loss," said the premier.

To date, efforts include:

• securing translators for families; among the victims were nationals of France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iran, Spain and Russia, in addition to Americans, Britons and a Canadian.

• setting up of a special customs area at Halifax International Airport for those families arriving by air.

• arranging for a Nova Scotia representative to accompany and assist each family while in the province.

• booking hotel rooms for the families, airline officials and crash investigators; up to 1,000 rooms are estimated to be needed for a week. Halifax Tourism is co-ordinating this effort with Swissair and Delta airlines.

As hundreds of Nova Scotians continue the grim task of recovering bodies off Peggy's Cove, others are looking for ways to help and to show their shared grief, said Premier MacLellan.

"All Nova Scotians, I know, stand ready to offer support," he said. "The government of Nova Scotia is likewise ready to step forward wherever it is needed to aid the victims' families and friends during these difficult times."