MH370: Mission enters new phase, underwater search intensified

PETALING JAYA: All efforts related to the underwater search for the missing MH370 will be intensified in the next few days as the hunt for the Malaysia Airlines jetliner has entered a new phase, said acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today.
"On Thursday, I spoke with (retired Air Chief Marshal) Angus Houston and he has briefed me on the images captured from the Bluefin-21 AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle). I can confirm that the Bluefin - 21 has captured clear and sharp images of the seabed while conducting its search mission in the underwater search area.
"However, from all six missions conducted, no contacts of interest have been found to date. The Bluefin-21 AUV's seventh mission has commenced this morning," he said.
He added that Bluefin-21's operations will be completed by next week and not two months as reported.
He quoted Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott as saying that, if there are no new updates in the given time, they would regroup and reconsider the SAR operations.
"I have to stress that this is not to stop the operations, but to consider other approaches which may include widening the search scope and utilise other assets that could be relevant to the operation," he said.
"The search will always continue. It is just a matter of approach. All efforts will be intensified in the next few days with regards to the underwater search," he added.