A post mortem was performed yesterday on the body of Dr Helmut Beiersdorf, a German official who died on Sunday during a boat ride in Ocho Rios.

The results of the post mortem should be available today.

Beiersdorf was a member of the German delegation here for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) meetings which began in Kingston on May 24th. The ISA 10th anniversary meetings ended yesterday.

The German official’s death was made public yesterday via a release from the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ministry, which said he had fallen ill during an excursion.

Beiersdorf was a member of the legal and technical commission of the Authority and during the ISA’s Tuesday meeting, members paid tribute to him.

In his contribution, Jamaica’s permanent representative to the ISA Ambassador Raymond Wolfe expressed sincere condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica at Dr Beiersdorf’s tragic passing, saying his outstanding contribution and dedicated work had contributed to the evolution of ISA.

“We also salute him for his service to the legal and technical committee where he has served since his election in August 1998. His knowledge of matters related to the seabed was extensive and he will be remembered for the enthusiasm and passion that he displayed whenever the opportunity arose to discuss matters related to his area,” Wolfe said.

“Dr Beiersdorf was generous – always willing to share his knowledge and information. His extensive knowledge was greatly complemented by his willingness to serve.”

Dr Beiersdorf, he said, had been a frequent visitor to Jamaica.

“We are all the more saddened that he will no longer be here to enjoy the hospitality of our country and people. It is a loss which will be greatly felt,” Wolfe added.

President of the ISA Assembly, Trinidad’s High Commissioner H E Dennis Francis and speakers from other countries also saluted Dr Beiersdorf for his contribution and expressed sadness at his death.

The ISA’s next meetings will be held from August 15 to 25 next year.