Australian authorities believe they may have spotted debris from the missing Malaysian airliner MH370 off the coast of Perth.
Earlier today the Australian Maritime Search Authority (AMSA) announced it had received satellite images of objects – some as large as 24 metres in length – awash in the Indian Ocean 2700 kilometres south-west of Perth.
Related: Who is heading up our hunt for MH370?In pictures: People, not numbers – the faces of MH370Related: Aussies searching for survivors of MH370
AMSA has sent a RAAF Orion aircraft to the area, which arrived at 1.50pm. A US Navy P8 Poseidon aircraft is already in the area.
Two other aircraft, including a Royal New Zealand air force Orion, are also en route. A merchant ship is also on the way to the scene, expected to arrive at 6pm.
A RAAF Orion aircraft.
A RAAF Orion aircraft.
A RAAF Orion aircraft.
AMSA spokesman John Young told a press conference that the objects may be difficult to find and that they may not be related to MH370.
“The objects are relatively indistinct on the imagery,” he said. “I don’t profess to be an expert in assessing the imagery, but those who are expert indicate they are credible sightings.
“The indication to me is of objects that are a reasonable size and probably awash with water bobbing up and down under the surface.”
John Young addressing the press.
John Young addressing the press.
John Young addressing the press.
Related: Who is heading up our hunt for MH370?In pictures: People, not numbers – the faces of MH370Related: Aussies searching for survivors of MH370
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