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

• GO Phoenix departed the port of Fremantle on 13 March after conducting a scheduled resupply visit, and is en route to the search area.
• The presence of ex-Tropical Cyclone Haliba in the southern Indian Ocean resulted in severe weather and sea conditions, and the vessels Fugro Discovery, Fugro Equator, and Fugro Supporter were obliged to suspend search operations.  All three vessels recommenced search operations on 17 March.

Underwater search

Around 50 percent of the priority search area has been searched.

Assuming no significant delays with vessels, equipment or from the weather, the current underwater search area may be largely completed around May 2015.

[Click map to view larger image]

Ship movements

GO Phoenix departed the port of Fremantle on 13 March after conducting a scheduled resupply visit.  The vessel is anticipated to arrive back in the search area on 19 March.

Fugro Discovery will depart the search area around 24 March to travel to Fremantle for a scheduled resupply visit.  The vessel is expected to arrive in port around 1 April.

Fugro Equator will depart the search area around 2 April to travel to Fremantle for a scheduled resupply visit.  The vessel is expected to arrive in port around 8 April.

Fugro Supporter will depart the search area around 2 April to travel to Fremantle for a scheduled resupply visit.  The vessel is expected to arrive in port around 8 April.

Weather

The presence of ex-Tropical Cyclone Haliba created severe conditions in the search area, preventing search operations for several days.  As the system moved eastwards, its effects dissipated, allowing for search operations to resume on 17 March.

Overall conditions are expected to continue to be generally favourable during the warmer months.