MH370: New Zealand plane spots objects in new search area

A New Zealand aircraft, the RNZAF Orion spotted objects in new search area today but have yet to establish the identity of the objects.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said, the aircraft is due to land at Pearce RAAF base soon.

However it added in a Twitter posting today, the sightings need to be confirmed by ship which is not expected to happen until tomorrow.

RNZAF Orion spotted objects in #MH370 search area, identity to be established. Soon to land @ RAAF Pearce. AMSA awaiting imagery. 1/2
— AMSA News (@AMSA_News) March 28, 2014

Sightings need confirmation by ship - not expected until tomorrow. #MH370 2/2
— AMSA News (@AMSA_News) March 28, 2014

The new search area comes following new information surfaced based on continuing analysis of radar data between the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca before radar contact with flight MH370 was lost.

The new search area is approximately 319,000 square kilometres and around 1,850 kilometres west of Perth.

New satellite images from Japan meanwhile showed around 10 floating objects which may belong to the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370.

Japanese authorities announced the objects, measuring up to eight metres, (26.4 feet) in length and four metres wide were spotted roughly 2,500 kilometres southwest of Perth, Kyodo and Jiji.

Malaysia authorities today also received satellite imagery from Thailand.

“Early this morning we received separate satellite imagery from the Thai authorities which also showed potential objects,” said Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

“These new satellite images join those released by Australia, China, France and Malaysia, all of which are with RCC Australia.

“The range of potential objects, and the difficulty in re-identifying them shows just how complex this investigation is. We remain grateful to all our partners for continuing to assist in the search operations,” he added.