Published: September 3, 2010
Initial reports said the three victims had picked up the bomber, who was hitchhiking, dressed as religious Jew. A rescue worker said the car was still on fire an hour after the blast.
Responsibility for the bombing was claimed by a new cell of the Fatah-linked Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades based in the Balata refugee camp in Nablus. Raymond Austin, 50, who works for a concrete company, said he left the boat before it set off on its pleasure trip because he was worried about overcrowding, the Evening Standard in London reported. A Foreign Office rapid deployment team is also on its way to the island state to support Embassy staff and to offer help to survivors and their relatives. Construction firm Murray & Roberts said later, in a statement published on its website, that 15 of its staff were safe but 10 others had died in the sinking. These were four South Africans, three Britons, two Indian nationals and one from Pakistan.
Brian Bruce, the company’s chief executive, said: “We have been advised that excluding crew, approximately 120 people from Murray & Roberts and its partner Nass, the professional design team and various subcontractors were on board the ferry.” He said a number of spouses and partners were included in the group. Some had been treated for minor injuries and allowed home but it was not clear if any casualties remained in hospital. Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells, who is in the Middle East on official business, is travelling to Bahrain, the spokesman added. He added: “There are still other people unaccounted for, who may include British people.” The spokesman said the Bahrain Ministry of Interior had confirmed 57 people had died and that 67 were rescued. There were strong winds.” A Foreign Office spokesman later confirmed that 12 Britons and three dual nationals had died in the sinking and stated there may be further British casualties.
She said: “Some people are saying it was due to overweight on the ferry and others say the weather. “There was not anything that came up that would make them expect that this was going to happen.” Ms Saeed said an investigation committee has been set up and officials have begun interviewing the captain, crew members and survivors. Mazeeha Saeed, of newspaper Al-Watan, said survivors could still be seen in the water, clinging to pieces of wood, when she arrived at the scene. Later television footage showed the capsized boat with rescue workers walking on its brown hull and others taking bodies wrapped in white sheets off a small dinghy. During the rescue operation US helicopters and divers helped Bahrain coastguards search the water for survivors. Our sympathy and condolences go out to all those who have been affected.” Bahrain’s coastguard chief, Youssef al-Katem, said an investigation was under way, although it is understood weather conditions in the area were not to blame. Mr al-Katem added that there were 150 guests at the dinner party aboard the boat while it was docked.