Australia Continues Search for MH370
The search for missing Malaysia Airlines MH370, which disappeared on 8 March 2014 underway to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur, continues uninterrupted, according to the Australian Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC). A bathymetric survey of the 60,000km2 search area is underway, with two vessels, the Australian-contracted Fugro Equator and the Chinese survey ship Zhu Kezhen, mapping the ocean floor. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is coordinating this work.
The bathymetric survey will give crucial knowledge of the seafloor terrain to begin the actual underwater search. The ATSB is currently assessing tender documentation to engage a primary contractor to manage this complex operation.
The underwater search is likely to commence in early September and take up to 12 months to complete. It will aim to locate the aircraft and any evidence (such as debris and the flight recorders) to assist the Malaysian investigation of the disappearance of MH370.
Australia owes the search to the families of all of those on board MH370, the travelling public and indeed the wider world to solve this mystery.
Deputy coordinator Judith Zielke will oversee the operations of the JACC, ensuring that the public and other stakeholders, particularly the families of those on board, are well informed about the progress of the search.
