The same cannot be said for the other families, they still don't know what happened to their loved ones or whether they are alive or dead. In total, those six men left behind 18 children and countless other family members. Today Matura said that they have not given up.
Audrey Matura-Shepherd,
"Last night we had a meeting and that was important because we needed to know what the other six families were thinking and where they were at this juncture. And they said that interestingly, and I guess because there's life there's hope, they are very optimistic. They are very hopeful because they are saying that until they see a body they cannot accept that these persons are dead and that they believe in miracles and if it could happen for other people, it can happen for them. So they are very optimistic, they fill their days with prayers and saying that either way it goes - that that prayer will help them - if not to get them back alive, to cope with whatever grief of their loss. So with that optimism in mind, they are saying they are not even ready to have a memorial. They just need to give it more time and they know that with time they will come to terms with everything. But for now, they are not giving up."
And a lot of the hope is fuelled by the family's firm and fast belief that foul play was involved. Matura explained.
Audrey Matura-Shepherd,
"On behalf of the family yes they believe it is foul play and because they believe it is foul play they don't have the ability to go and investigate, that is in the hands of the authorities. They are appealing to the authorities to look at it from that angle.
However the families are very realistic. Jules they know that if they go out there personally and its beyond them and its foul play and its something sinister going on out in our waters, it is above them and they are not there to irritate anyone or to get in any further trouble. So they are telling the authorities you take charge, you do it, and we are here to give you our full support. So their biggest plea is to say to anyone if you have information to still contact them or the authorities and the end of the day you'll be surprised but they will be satisfied even if the case is not proven, even if the culprit is not found. That their loved ones are found, preferably alive but if it is dead, they will live with that reality."
Matura estimates that if it could be quantified, the cost of the search effort was into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. She says that includes donations and voluntary assistance because the family itself paid out more than $100,000. Those families today issued a statement saying the hotline is till open at 225-2629. They also ask, "mischief makers to desist from the awful rumors and speculations that has brought much grief to the families."
