The RCMP is assisting the Chief Medical Examiners Office in the identification of the victims of the sinking of a Spanish fishing trawler on the Grand Banks and are helping with the eventual repatriation of remains to their native countries.

There were only three survivors among the 24 crew members of the trawler which sank early Tuesday morning. Nine bodies were recovered. The crew members were from Spain, Peru and Ghana.

The survivors and the bodies of the victims arrived in St. John’s today on board vessels escorted by the Coast Guard ship Cygnus.

The provincial Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is in contact with the appropriate foreign agencies to arrange proper notification and the repatriation of remains.