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 arrived back in the search area and recommenced search operations on Thursday 19 March. Sea conditions over the weekend forced the vessel to cease search operations for 2 hours.  The vessel has since continued operations without interruption.
• Fugro Discovery, Fugro Equator, and Fugro Supporter continued to conduct search operations.

Underwater search

More than 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 arrived back in the search area on 19 March.

Fugro Discovery will depart the search area around 25 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 3 April to travel to Fremantle for a scheduled resupply visit. The vessel is expected to arrive in port around 9 April.

Weather

Sea states in the priority search area are anticipated to range from 1 to 4 in the coming week.

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