Oakridge /2
Sur Fons Str.
St Julians
SLM 05
Mr Joseph Bianco
Malta Maritime Authority
Ports Directorate
Marina Pinto
Valletta VLT 01
Malta
15th May 2000
Ref: Piper Lance Disappearance, December 1995
Dear Mr. Bainco,
As you will recall, back in November 1996, a team of MMA hydrographers ably led by your goodself, formed part of the search party aimed at collecting more information or evidence relating to the disappearance of my brother Matthew and and the other passengers allegedly travelling on Piper Lance 9H-ABU on the 3rd December 1995. Unfortunately, bad weather prevailed and only about 25% of the process was completed.
Though the Report of the Investigating Board has recently been published, the entire disappearance is still shrouded in mystery and the families of the missing persons are still living in uncertainity and grief. Recently I met the owner of the vessel that was kindly given to us for that particular search and upon seeing my determination to go out there again, he kindly offered his assistance in organizing another search operation. I under stand that sand movements and currents over the years will only make scanning and recovery more difficult but I would like to attempt it in any case.
Before contacting the Ministry for possible assistance, I wanted to contact you first in order to confirm that you would, once more, be in a position of helping us by providing your preofessional services for a few days.
Whilst thanking you for your attention, I remain,
Yours sincerely
Daniel Aquilina