The Ministry of Tourism expressed its deep sorrow over the tragic air crash that recently occurred off the coast of Puerto Plata in which 189 people died. It also extended its condolences to the Germany nation, the country with the greatest number killed in the crash and the source of the greatest number of tourists coming to the Dominican Republic – 25 per cent of the total.
The minister, Frank Jorge Elías, said that accident was much more tragic when one remembers that the passengers had come to the country to enjoy its natural beauty. He said, “It was these people that had to confront the unexpected challenge of traveling to another life, when their plane that was taking them back home crashed into the sea. We wish the victims of this unfortunate happening peace and calm in their eternal lives.” The Ministry of Tourism has arranged a mass for the victims, and the 15 February has been named a national day of mourning for the deceased.