Dec 22 (Reuters) - BHP Billiton (L:BLT) Ltd BHP.AX :
* Update - samarco BHP.AX
* Says BHP Billiton has appointed FláVio BulcãO as country director, Brazil, effective immediately
* Co & Samarco have engaged Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton Llp to conduct investigation into cause of breach of FundãO Tailings & santarém water dam
* At this stage there are 17 confirmed fatalities"
* Two people who were working on the dams remain unaccounted for"
* Source text for Eikon ID:nASX1SXllx