Pike River families thank public and recovery crews

Bernie Monk embraces a supporter after a memorial service for his son Michael. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Families of the 29 men killed in the Pike River Coal mine tragedy have publicly thanked everyone involved in the rescue and recovery operation.

They said today the support they had received from people here and overseas was overwhelming.

The 29 men died after a series of explosions in the West Coast mine, the first on November 19.

Since then temperatures inside the mine have continued to fluctuate, frustrating those charged with retrieving the men's bodies.

Today the Pike River Families Committee issued a statement through their spokesman, Bernie Monk, whose 23-year-old son, Michael, died in the mine.

"On behalf of the families and workers of the Pike River mine tragedy, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to those people who have been involved in the rescue and recovery attempts, and to those people in New Zealand and overseas who have contacted us to offer support and understanding at what has been, and continues to be, a very difficult time," Mr Monk said.

"While it is not possible to mention individuals, there are hundreds of people who have been directly involved such as those in mines rescue, the police, local authorities, councils, unions, professional agencies and government departments.

"Then there are the thousands of members of the public who have sent emails and cards, donated goods and money and stood with us, in support, during such times as the memorial services and in our private moments.

"The comfort that provided has helped family members through an enormously difficult period, when hopes of rescue have turned to recovery, and even now when we continue to face uncertainly over whether or not our loved ones will be returned to us.

"It will be a long time before the truth of this tragedy is unravelled, but the support which has been shown to us is that which will keep us strong and carry us through," he said.

"Your support, practical help and kind wishes have been appreciated and continue to make a real difference."

Superintendent Gary Knowles - the police officer in charge of the retrieval operation - yesterday said temperatures in the mine had fluctuated by more than 100degC.

"The temperature is far from stable and we've still got the issue of gas underground," Mr Knowles said.

Mr Knowles said it would be some time before the mine was considered safe enough to enter - if at all.

- NZPA