Brazilian authorities confirmed on Tuesday, that the debris found in the Atlantic came from Air France Flight 447 the plane that went missing on its way from Rio de Janeiro to Paris just one day before.
At a news conference held in Rio Brazil's defense minister said this and he also told reporters that no bodies had been found and there were no signs of life.
[Interview : ] "I can confirm that the five kilometers of debris are those of the Air France plane."
The announcement implies that the airplane had plunged into the frigid waters of the Atlantic some 650 kilometers northeast of Fernando de Noronha Island.
The airline has said that the Airbus jet seems to have encountered strong turbulence some three hours after take-off.
The plane's black box of voice and data recorders likely sunk two to three-thousand meters below the surface of the ocean.
As officials continue to search for the box it is hoped that the crew of two Lufthansa passenger jets that were flying in the vicinity of the missing Airbus around the same time it disappeared may be able to provide additional clues.
The French National Assembly observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims.
[Interview : Francois Fillon, French Prime Minister] "France feels very moved by the tragedy of the Air France 447 flight, and I know that on all the benches in this assembly, thoughts are with those whose hearts have been torn apart by this tragedy. With you, and in your name, I send them a message of solidarity and affection."
Meanwhile, Korea's foreign ministry has confirmed that a 39-year-old Korean businessman identified as Koo Hak-lim was aboard the plane.
Air France will release an official list of passenger names and nationalities on Wednesday.
Choi Won-young, Arirang News.
JUN 03, 2009
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