MH370 Operational Search Update - March 16, 2016

This operational report has been developed to provide regular updates on the progress of the search effort for MH370.Our work will continue to be in-depth and methodical so the weekly progress may seem slow.Rest assured that work is continuing and is aimed at finding MH370 as quickly as possible.

Key Developments for the Week

• Fugro Discovery continues to conduct underwater search operations.
• Fugro Equator continues to conduct underwater search operations.The vessel is scheduled to depart the search area on 17 March, returning to Fremantle for a scheduled refuel visit.
• Havila Harmony continues to conduct underwater search operations with the AUV.The vessel is scheduled to depart the search area on 20 March, returning to BAE Henderson.
• Dong Hai Jiu 101 continues to conduct search operations.
• A South African citizen reported debris, suspected to be from an aircraft, in Mozambique.Arrangements are being made for the debris to be transported to the Australian Bureau of Transport Safety laboratories in Canberra, along with debris that was found in Mozambique by an American citizen last week.Both items will be examined by investigators from Australia and Malaysia, as well as Boeing specialists, to confirm if they are from an aircraft and to establish their origin.
• Malaysian officials continue discussions with French authorities regarding the debris found on La Reunion.Current advice is that it is unlikely to be from an aircraft.

Underwater Search Operations

The weather may continue to impact on search operations but generally, more favourable conditions are being experienced. More than 90,000 square kilometres of the seabed has been searched to date. In the event the aircraft is located and accessible, Australia, Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China have agreed plans for recovery activities including securing all evidence necessary for accident investigation. Consistent with the commitment made by the Governments of Australia, Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China last April, 120,000 square kilometres will be searched.It is anticipated this will be completed around mid-year.In the absence of any further credible information leading to the identification of a specific aircraft location, the Governments have agreed that there will be no further expansion of the search area.

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Here are the updated links to date:

Source: http://jacc.gov.au/families/operational_reports/files/MH370_Operational_Search_Update_20160316_EN.pdf