SWISS RIVER TRAGEDY

29 July 1999

The Governor-General, Sir William Deane, and Lady Deane, today expressed their deep sympathy to the relatives and friends of all those who died in the flash flood in Switzerland. They sent good wishes for the recovery and safe return of those who survived the tragedy.

Sir William said, "At this sad time, the thoughts and prayers of all Australians go to the families of our fellow countrymen and women who have died or are yet to be accounted for. We offer our condolences to people from other countries who share our grief.

"We hope the families of those who are still missing will be comforted and strengthened in the time ahead. And we trust that those who survived will recover from their ordeal and return home safely."