Yesterday’s search for the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 did not yield results, according to an upadate provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Three objects were spotted on Wednesday by two aircraft but were not able to be relocated despite several passes. They were unrelated to the credible satellite imagery provided to AMSA. Positions in the satellite information released by Malaysia Remote Sensing Agency on March 26 were within Wednesday’s search area. Weather in the search area is expected to deteriorate later today.
The search resumes today and it will involve a total of 11 aircraft and five ships. Today’s search is split into two areas within the same proximity covering a cumulative 78,000 square kilometres.
HMAS Success remains in the search area about 2500 kilometres south – west of Perth and was joined by four Chinese ships – Xue Long, Kun lunshan, Haikou and Qiandaohu – in the search area.
Two Royal Australian Air Force AP – 3C Orions, a Chinese Ilyushin IL – 76, a Japanese Gulfstream jet, a US Navy P – 8 Poseidon and a Japanese P – 3 Orion will fly sorties throughout the day.
The first aircraft to leave Perth for the search area was the Chinese Ilyushin IL – 76 aircraft around 8am. The two RAAF AP – 3C Orions are scheduled to depart before midday.
Five civil aircraft are scheduled to depart between 9.30am and 11am. A total of 34 SES volunteers will again be air observers on board the civil aircraft.
A Japan Coast Guard ultra – long range jet will depart at around 2 pm. A US Navy P8 Poseidon is scheduled to depart around 4pm. A Japanese P3 Orion is scheduled to depart around 5pm.
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Press Release, March 27, 2014; Image: Australian Navy