The Spanish Government is drafting a new regulation intended to reaffirm its commitment to support passenger vessels accident victims and their families.
Following the same policy already implemented in connection with aircraft and railroad accidents, the draft regulation calls for the cooperative planning and response by the vessel operator and the maritime and port authorities in order to ensure that in the event of a major sea accident the assistance provided to the victims and their families is adequate and sufficient, comprising several areas, including those regarding: (a) information about the occurrence; (b) emergency response to the accident; (c) coordination of travel to and lodging at a family assistance center, as well as assistance to those not travelling; (d) coordination of a visit to the accident site, where access is practicable; (e) support for immediate financial needs; (f) information about the location and status of the victims, and the recovery, identification and disposition of remains; (g) information regarding the recovery, management and return of personal effects; (h) social, emotional and psychological support; and (i) information about the progress of the investigation and its objective.