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 arrived back in the search area on 3 November, but sea conditions have prevented the launching of the towfish to undertake search activities. The towfish is expected to be launched during an anticipated window of fine weather within the next 24 hours.
• Fugro Equator departed the search area on 3 November, for transit to Fremantle for a scheduled resupply visit. The vessel is expected to arrive around 9 November.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required.

Weather continues to impact on search operations but conditions are expected to be improved over the coming months. The safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority, and the vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs.

More than 70,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

[Click map to view larger image]

The Search Strategy Working Group continues to review evidence associated with MH370 which may result in further refinement of, or prioritisation within, the search area.

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

Weather is forecast to be unfavourable in the south of the search area over the next couple of days. However, it is anticipated that this will not impact on search operations once the towfish is deployed.