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 progress at times may appear slow.Rest assured that the 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 refueling 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 has reported finding wreckage, suspected to be from an aircraft, in Mozambique. Arrangements are being made for the wreckage to be transported to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau labs in Canberra, along with wreckage 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 experts, to confirm whether they are from an aircraft and to establish their origin.
• Malaysian officials continue discussions with French authorities about the wreckage found on La Réunion.Current advice is that it is unlikely to be from an aircraft.

Underwater Search Operations

Weather may continue to impact search operations, but generally more favourable conditions are being experienced. Over 90,000 square kilometres of the seabed has been searched so far. In the event that the aircraft is found 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 in April last year, 120,000 square kilometres will be searched.It is anticipated this will be completed around the middle of the year. In the absence of new credible information leading to the identification of a specific aircraft location, the Governments have agreed 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