MH370: SAR mission day-52 sees Japan pulling out of search

Japan has pulled itself out of the Search and Rescue (SAR) mission for the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370 in the Southern Indian Ocean.

This was informed by its Defence Minister, Itsunori Onodera during a meeting held with his counterpart in Australia, David Johnston.

Japan’s decision is following Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott’s announcement that the mission has entered a new phase.

“We will issue an order to end the mission today (Monday). It is sad that the aircraft has not been found. But for Japan, I am grateful that we have supported this search and rescue mission,” said Itsunori.

Japan’s P-3 Orion joined the SAR mission for the final time on Monday, in efforts of finding any possible wreckage of MH370 in the Southern Indian Ocean.