The search for the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, which lost radar signal in the early hours of Saturday, when it was flying over the Ho Chi Minh air traffic control area in Vietnam, is intensively underway.
Nine countries are contributing to the search 24/7 across the South China Sea for the aircraft.
Chinese warship Mianyang has arrived in the waters suspected to be the crash site of the missing flight and started rescue operations upon its arrival, according to Xinhua News.
The Australian Ministry of Defence reported on Sunday, March 9, that they were sending two RAAF AP-3C Orion aircraft to Malaysia to assist in the search and rescue effort for the flight.
One of the Australian Navy’s aircraft departed on Sunday night for Malaysia, and the second is scheduled for Monday morning.
The US Navy also sent their ships, USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USNS John Ericsson (T-AO-194) to assist in the search and rescue operation. USS Pinckney has launched MH-60R helicopter and P3-C Orion aircraft from her deck. USNS John Ericsson, which is an underway replenishment oiler, will provide fuel and logistic replenishment for USS Pinckney and her helicopters.
The lost Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 was carrying 12 crewmembers and 227 passengers.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, March 10, 2014; Image: Malaysian Defence