Focus for Blake's crew is speedy trial, smooth exit

New Zealand's ambassador in Brazil is currently negotiating a safe passage for Sir Peter Blake's vessel Seamaster to set sail for England.

The yachting legend was killed on Thursday (NZT) when pirates attacked the vessel in the Amazon.

Four men have been arrested and charged, with two others still being sought by police. Earlier today police released three of the men originally detained, who had established alibis which distanced them from the crime scene.

Ambassador Denise Almao says she is working on details to have the Seamaster released so it can leave Macapa.

Sir Peter's colleagues are expected to arrive in England in around 10 days, after which he will be buried in the English village of Emsworth.

Meanwhile, the Seamaster's crew are continuing to help Brazilian police with their investigation into the killing of the yachting legend.

Blake Expeditions spokesman Alan Sefton, whose son Leon is on the boat, says the crew are helping police to prepare their case against the men accused of killing Sir Peter.

He says they are embroiled in bureaucracy at the moment making statements and sworn affidavits to the police. The focus of efforts at the moment is to expedite the enquiry so crew members aren't tied up in Brazil any longer than necessary.

Ambassador Almao said she's had an assurance from Brazilian police authorities that they'll do everything in their power to process this trial as quickly as possible, given the circumstances.

Sefton says several of the crew will fly to England with Sir Peter's body, probably on Tuesday.

- REUTERS

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