A team investigate a piece of debris found in the Indian Ocean. (Photo: Australian Transport Safety Bureau) Hanoi (VNA) – The transportministers of Malaysia and Australia have thanked the Fugro Equator vessel crew fortheir searching efforts for the missing MH370 flight over the past three years.
After the suspension of the underwater searchfor the aircraft last week, Australia Transport Minister Darren Chester and hisMalaysian counterpart Liow Tong Lai had a meeting with the crew in Perth, WesternAustralia.
At a press conference on January 23, Chesterexpressed his appreciation for the search team’s tireless efforts in some ofthe most dreadful waters.
The fact that the aircraft was not found doesnot mean failure but indicates that it is not within the 120,000 sq km search zone,Chester said.
According to him, while the ocean search hasbeen suspended, work is ongoing in assessing satellite photos and debris. Ifany more debris appears, the two nations will jointly carry out relevant assessment.
Meanwhile, Liow said it was upsetting that themissing Malaysia Airlines aircraft was not in the search area, but stressed thecrew’s "commitment, professionalism and dedication" was admirable.
He stated that the Malaysian Government wasextremely thankful for the search team’s hard work as well as for the support madeby the Australian and Chinese governments in searching for the plane.
Flight MH370 of Malaysian Airlines disappearedon March 8, 2014 with 239 passengers and crew on board when flying to Beijingfrom Kuala Lumpur. The fate of the plane remains unknown though several debrishave been found.-VNA
VNA
