Australian Prime Minister Abbott has told local Parliament that their satellites may have new images that could be the possible breakthrough we have all been waiting for: two objects that may be wreckage of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 flight.
He said that an Australian P-3 Orion aircraft had been sent to check out the objects and would be followed by other planes. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which is coordinating the search, has called a news conference for 12:30 AM ET.
His full statement:
I would like to inform the House that new and credible information has come to light in relation to the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean. The Australian maritime safety authority has received information based on satellite imagery of objects possibly related to the search. Following specialist analysis of this satellite imagery, two possible objects related to the search have been identified. I can inform the House that a Royal Australian Air Force Orion has been diverted to attempt to locate the objects. This Orion is expected to arrive in the area at about this time. Three more aircraft will follow this Orion, they are tasked for more intensive follow-up search. I should tell the House – and we must keep this in mind – the task of locating these objects will be extremely difficult and it may turn out that they are not related to the search for flight MH370. Nevertheless, I did want to update the House on this potentially important development
His full statement in video, below:
The Daily Newsletter
Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.
Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch
Tags: malaysia airlines, mh370