A Japanese government official says they're no longer demanding that the Ehime Maru be raised. According to the Associated Press, they're also asking the U.S. to end the search for the victims.

However, U.S. Navy officials in Hawaii told KITV4 News that they have received no formal request to stop their salvage operation ten miles south of Diamond Head.

The relatives had been demanding that the 500-ton ship be brought to the surface so they could recover personal belongings as well as the bodies of those believed entombed in it.

But now, an official says they want to move on to talks with the U.S. over compensation. The United States has offered to begin talks on that issue.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ben Cayetano sent a letter to the families of the Ehime Maru victims. It was delivered by Hawaii-born sumo star Akebono, or Chad Rowan.

"This is a difficult loss, and the memory of it will be with us forever," Cayetano wrote in part. "Our sincere sympathy and warmest aloha is extended to all those who are grieving over this calamity."

Previous Stories:

• March 30, 2001: Admirals Nearly Complete Navy Inquiry
• March 21, 2001: Mori Pays Tribute To Ehime Maru Victims
• March 15, 2001: Ehime Maru Captain Describes Collision
• March 12, 2001: Ehime Maru Captain Returns To Islands
• March 9, 2001: Waddle Apologizes To Families
• March 6, 2001: Court Of Inquiry Looks For Answers
• March 2, 2001: Ehime Maru School Students Graduate
• February 27, 2001: Japan: Bush Considering Salvage Of Sunken Ship
• February 25, 2001: Sub Investigation Could Widen
• February 20, 2001: Navy Likely To Raise Ehime Maru
• February 19, 2001: Sucess Of Raising Ehime Maru 'Questionable'