Thursday 28 Mar 2024
By
main news image

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 17): The last search vessel for the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has today left the underwater search area.

According to the MH370 tripartite joint communiqué today by Malaysian Transport minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Australian Infrastructure and Transport minister Darren Chester MP and China Transport minister Li Xiaopeng, it said Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has not been located in the 120,000 sq-km underwater search area in the southern Indian Ocean.

"Despite every effort using the best science available, cutting edge technology, as well as modelling and advice from highly skilled professionals who are the best in their field, unfortunately, the search has not been able to locate the aircraft," it said.

It noted that the underwater search for MH370 has been suspended accordingly.

The decision to suspend the underwater search has not been taken lightly nor without sadness, it said, adding that it is consistent with decisions made by the three countries in the July 2016 Ministerial Tripartite meeting in Putrajaya.

Whilst combined scientific studies have continued to refine areas of probability, it said to date no new information has been discovered to determine the specific location of the aircraft.

"We have been overwhelmed by the commitment and dedication shown by the hundreds of people involved in the search, which has been an unprecedented challenge," it said.

It added that it has continued to improve its knowledge of the search area and has been critical in its efforts to locate the aircraft.

The three ministers reiterate their utmost appreciation to the many nations that have provided expertise and assistance since the early days of this unfortunate tragedy, said the joint communiqué.

"Today's announcement is significant for our three countries, but more importantly for the family and friends of those on board the aircraft," it said.

"We again take this opportunity to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives and acknowledge the enormous loss felt by their loved ones.

"We remain hopeful that new information will come to light and that at some point in the future the aircraft will be located," it added.

 

      Print
      Text Size
      Share