(CNN) All 38 passengers on board the Chilean Air Force plane that went missing Monday on its way to Antarctica are presumed dead, according to Chilean Defense Minister Alberto Espina.

Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Espina said 32 members of the Chilean Air Force, three from the Chilean Army and three civilians were on the C-130 Hercules plane.

"I would like to express our condolences, support and the pain we are feeling for the human drama that the family of those who were on board are currently experiencing," said Espina in Punta Arenas.

"Our duty is to, first of all, find all the remains and everything we can on the plane. Secondly, to do everything humanly possible so that there is no doubt about what happened in this accident."

During the same press conference, Air Force Commander in Chief General Arturo Merino Nunez confirmed that human remains had been found which "likely belonged" to those who were traveling on the aircraft. Forensic analysis would establish their identification, he said.

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