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 thorough and methodical, so weekly progress may appear 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 planned resupply 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 finding wreckage, 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 the wreckage that was found in Mozambique by a US 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 establish their origin.
• Malaysian officials continue discussions with French authorities regarding the wreckage found in La Reunion. Current advice is that it is unlikely to be from an aircraft.

Underwater Search Operations

The 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 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 a crash 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 surveyed. 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 that there will be no further expansion of the search area.

Read all reports in English by clicking here.

Here are the links updated to the present date:

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