Search operation for Malaysia Airlines aircraft: Update 4

Wednesday 19 March, 2014: 5pm (AEDT)
Search operation for Malaysia Airlines aircraft: Update 4
The below statement can be attributed to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) General Manager,
Emergency Response Division, John Young:
The search operation for MH370 in the Southern Indian Ocean has continued today in the Australian
Search and Rescue Region.
Today’s search was focused on an area of 305,000 square kilometres about 2600 kilometres south-west
of Perth. This is an area one third larger than the Australian state of Victoria.
Assets tasked today by the Rescue Coordination Centre Australia include a Royal Australian Air Force
(RAAF) P3 Orion, a US Navy P3 Poseidon aircraft and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P3.
Five merchant ships have responded to a broadcast to shipping issued by RCC Australia on Monday
night. Three merchant ships have transited to the area following a broadcast to shipping on Monday
evening (AEDT). Three ships have transited through the area, another is in the area today and a further
ship is expected to arrive on Thursday afternoon.
Neither the ships nor the aircraft have reported sighting anything in connection to the aircraft.
Search conditions in the area today are moderate.
This area is vast and remote. It is a challenging search operation and AMSA continues to hold grave
fears for the passengers and crew on board the missing flight.
Media Note: The above statement is available in HD and SD video format and mp3 audio format along
with updated charts of the search area at the following link –
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4w6RpGjTiQpM1dxMzdSTHRMeW8&usp=sharing
Other media resources that can be accessed at this link include:
• Stock images of search operations from RAAF AP3C Orion aircraft like the ones currently being
used in the search. These images are provided by the Australian Defence Force;
• A fact sheet on the AP3C Orion provided by the Australian Defence Force;
• B-roll/Overlay footage of AMSA’s Search and Rescue officers coordinating the search for MH370
from the Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra (HD and SD formats);
• AMSA charts showing the search area and its relation to Australia in print and television friendly
formats;
• A full copy of today’s press conference with General Manger of AMSA’s Emergency Response
Division John Young and Group Captain Stuart Bellingham from Head Quarters Joint Operations
Command.
This media kit will be added to as more resources become available.
Media Enquiries: 1300 624 633