The Persistence
Dave Holloway, in November 2007, announces that a new search for Natalee has begun. Basically they had probed the sea beyond the original 330-foot (100 m) depths that earlier searches had done. With the vessel known as the Persistence, they undertook the search but it was sadly abandoned when lack of funds became a problem. Towards end of February 2008, nothing significance was ever found.
Prosecution Pitfall
30 days later, on November 30, 2007, a judge orders the release of the Kalpoe brothers, even thought the prosecution attempted to extend their detention. Undoubtedly the prosecution appealed the release of the Kalpoes’, but it was denied. In fact, the court said, “Notwithstanding expensive and lengthy investigations on her disappearance and on people who could be involved, the file against the suspect does not contain direct indications that Natalee passed away due to a violent crime.”