The boss of Thomas Cook said he has had “constructive discussions” with the Egyptian prime minister about the deaths of British couple John and Susan Cooper in Hurghada last week.
Chief executive Peter Fankhauser (pictured) flew out to Egypt yesterday to meet with Dr Mostafa Madbouly and Her Excellency Minister of Tourism Rania Al-Mashat.
Thomas Cook said Fankhauser “reiterated his personal commitment, and the commitment of everyone” at the company, to get to the bottom of what went wrong.
Susan, 63, who worked at Thomas Cook’s Burnley branch, and husband John, 69, died on August 21 while on a Cook holiday at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic hotel.
Details surrounding how they died remain unclear and have baffled industry experts.
A statement from Thomas Cook said: “It was a constructive discussion and the prime minister and minister of tourism gave their reassurance that they are doing all that they can to ensure the investigation is thorough, transparent and provides the answers we need as swiftly as possible.”
Fankhauser also met with British ambassador to Egypt, John Casson, and deputy head of mission, Helen Winterton.
“We will continue to speak to the Egyptian authorities and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure that we work together and prioritise the very best interests of the Cooper family,” the statement added.
“The wellbeing of our customers in Egypt remains of paramount importance.”
The Egyptian prime minister said he gave his “absolute assurances” that the authorities would “leave no stone unturned in determining the actual cause of death”.
He said the government would be “totally transparent” in its undertakings.
Detailed autopsies on the two bodies are currently being conducted by a team of forensic pathologists, which are expected to conclude next week.
Their bodies will be re-patriated next week.
The Egyptian government said a working group led by Egypt’s attorney general Nabil Sadeq, is examining “in forensic detail” all hygiene aspects of the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel.
“This investigation will be robust, thorough and independent”, the government said.
The working group will test food, water and air conditioning and the results will be made public.
A statement from the Egyptian government added: “All the details of the investigation will be shared in full transparency and available to all for scrutiny. Again, it is anticipated that this work will be concluded during next week.
“It is crucial for everyone involved in the tragic passing away of John and Susan, none more so than the grieving Cooper family, that we get to the bottom of the matter and determine the truth based on evidence.”
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