Search For Missing Malaysian Jet Expands

After a week-long search for traces of the missing passenger jet failed, Malaysian authorities has expanded its search operation for the missing Malaysia Airlines westward to the Indian Ocean and farther into the South China sea, with Malaysian authorities saying they obtained new leads.

Hishammuddin Hussein, Malaysia transport minister, in a report Friday, however, did not provide details about the leads but said that Malaysia was closely coordinating with US experts about satellite information that could provide leads on the whereabouts of Flight MH370, which went missing two hours after take off Saturday last week with 239 people on board.

Chief of Malaysia’s Department of Civil Aviation, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, also said Malaysia is working with the US to get information from US satellites that could help locate the missing Boeing 777. Rahman, in a report said they cannot reveal the information as of now because they are still investigating it.

Rahman said a team from Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch and Boeing engine maker Rolls-Royce would be arriving in Kuala Lumpur to help in the investigation adding that British investigators are currently studying the satellite communications they have and will share the information with Malaysian authorities.

13 Countries Involved

Hishammuddin said there are 105 ships and aircraft from 13 countries which is now helping in the search for the missing plane.

Reports said the Indian government sent three boats and three aircraft to help with the search in the Andaman Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean, while China, whose citizens made up most of the passengers on the airline, continued search operations in the South China Sea.

The South China sea has been one of the main focuses of the operations over the past six days.

Vietnam, report said, has scaled back its search and rescue efforts within its territory.

USS Kidd Destroyer

On Thursday, White House spokesman Jay Carney said investigators had received “new information” and the US would discuss the redeployment of boats and aircraft with its partners.

Al jazeera.net reported that the US Pacific Command has confirmed that the USS Kidd destroyer was ordered to proceed to the Strait of Malacca to help in the search along with maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, who will also join the operations.

Placed on Wanted List

Thailand on Friday placed on its wanted list an Iranian man who allegedly booked tickets for two flight passengers with alleged stolen passports.

Report said Alireza Kolmoham was identified as having booked the tickets for the Iranians using passports that had been lost in Thailand by Italian and Austrian tourists adding that the two Iranians are not thought to be linked to the disappearance of the passenger jet. Interpol said the two were believed to be immigrating to Europe and were “probably not terrorists”, report said.

Source: Al Jazeera.net