Malaysian Flight MH370 update: ATSB Chief Commissioner says search vessels may have missed the plane

Associated Press

It has been nearly two years since the loss of Malaysian Airline Flight MH370 and very little information has been discovered despite extensive efforts to find the remains of the aircraft and its passengers. According to a new report from News..com.au, it is possible that the plane was missed in areas previously searched.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Martin Dolan explained that it is possible that the difficulty in mapping and searching the ocean floor, particularly due to "challenging terrain and deep fissures," may have made it hard for the search team to get a reliable sonar image.

With that said, it is further explained that the remains of the aircraft might have been overlooked as the aircraft may have been ledged in areas difficult for the sonar to search thoroughly through.

"We're taking another look because the areas where we haven't been certain are large enough to contain an aircraft -- which is why we're going over them," explained Dolan. "The sea floor is very rugged and complex."

Expenses and hazards to the ongoing search have also been highlighted. To date, the search has cost over $1 million in losses for tow fish and has also led to the damage of expensive equipment, including a broken communications pole.

Dolan then stated that while the chances of finding any evidence continues to dwindle, there is still a chance of something coming up before the search officially ends this June. It is noted that the friends and family of those lost in the flight are being kept updated and have been advised that there may be nothing found by the time the search comes to a close.

Lastly, it is confirmed in the report that a Chinese vessel will be joining the current search efforts. At the time being, the ATSB is currently waiting for an update from a French vessel that has conducted its own search within the waters where the flight was supposedly lost.