The recovery was halted after three days as it was too dangerous[31] to continue any deeper into the lower levels of the ship. Many of the deceased had been trapped within the ship as it went down. Although Islamic tradition prefers to avoid burial at sea where possible,[32] it is permissible when there is no other option, and entryways into the ship were welded shut to prevent the bodies from being disturbed in an attempt to protect the site as a tomb.