There is a follow-up article in our local paper today, with a quote from the mother of my brother's daughter. She said: "That hope [that Mark will be found alive] is gone. It's been 12 days now. (13 as of today, actually.) We're definitely expecting a recovery rather than a rescue, and even that's not happening."
It's true. Not one of us has a shred of hope left. We are all sick at heart wondering if Mark's body will ever surface, and wondering what kind of condition it will be in if it IS found. This is incredibly traumatic, and we don't know what to say or do any more.