Post on 04-Jul-2020
Joint Agency Coordination Centre
MH370 Operational Search Update
27 January 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 sometimes
weekly progress may seem slow. Please be assured that work is continuing and is aimed at
finding MH370 as quickly as possible.
Key developments this week
Fugro Discovery is en route to the port of Fremantle after an incident on 24 January in
which the deep tow sonar vehicle (towfish) was separated from the vessel. The vessel is
expected to arrive in port around 29 January.
Fugro Equator continues to conduct search operations. The vessel will be departing
the search area on 4 February, returning to Fremantle for a scheduled resupply visit on
9 February 2016.
Havila Harmony arrived at Henderson on 21 January for a scheduled port visit and
maintenance.
Underwater search operations
Fugro Discovery
On 24 January while conducting search operations in the southern Indian Ocean, the deep tow
sonar vehicle being used by Fugro Discovery to search the ocean floor struck an undersea
volcano and was separated from the vessel.
Fugro Discovery is now returning to port to mobilise a replacement cable and the spare towfish
is being readied. The vessel is expected to arrive in port around 29 January.
3D view of volcano with added icon showing location of towfish. Source: ATSB
Volcano overview - Fugro Discovery was surveying from right to left along yellow trackline. Source: ATSB
Havila Harmony
During the last week of AUV operations before returning to port for resupply, the crew on board
Havila Harmony had detected irregularities with the HiPaP communications system. The
system was recalibrated and damage to the HiPaP pole was suspected to be the cause. The
HiPaP pole is a piece of underwater communications equipment that is lowered through the
ship’s hull and carries an acoustic transceiver used to position and control the autonomous
underwater vehicle (AUV).
Upon arrival at Henderson, divers confirmed that the pole was bent and fouled with fishing net.
The vessel was subsequently dry-docked at the BAE Systems ship lift facility to allow the pole
to be replaced.
The vessel is expected to depart Fremantle for the search area on 28 January and recommence
search activities around 2 February 2016.
Havila Harmony lifted out of the water at BAE Henderson, WA to facilitate replacement of HiPaP pole. Source: ATSB
Havila Harmony having been lifted out of the water to allow for repairs. Source: ATSB
Weather may continue to impact on search operations but more favourable conditions are
currently being experienced.
Consistent with the undertaking given by the Governments of Australia, Malaysia and the
People’s Republic of China in April last year, 120,000 square kilometres will be thoroughly
searched. It is anticipated this will be completed around the middle of the year. In the absence
of credible new information that leads to the identification of a specific location of the aircraft,
Governments have agreed that there will be no further expansion of the search area.
More than 85,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.
In the event the aircraft is found and accessible, Australia, Malaysia and the People’s Republic
of China have agreed to plans for recovery activities, including securing all the evidence
necessary for the accident investigation.
Weather
The weather is expected to be variable over the coming week but is not expected to negatively
impact on search operations.
Joint Agency Coordination Centre
www.jacc.gov.au