Chinese satellite detects ‘floating objects’ in MH370 search
March 13, 2014, 4:55 am

The SASTIND said on its website on Wednesday that the three suspected objects were monitored at 6.7 degrees north latitude and 105.63 degrees east longitude, spreading across an area with a radius of 20 kilometers [Xinhua]

A Chinese satellite has found three floating objects in the suspected site of missing Malaysian plane, according to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND).

The SASTIND said on its website on Wednesday that the three suspected objects were monitored at 6.7 degrees north latitude and 105.63 degrees east longitude, spreading across an area with a radius of 20 kilometers.

Chinese aviation officials have however refused to confirm whether the floating objects are parts of the missing plane.

“Chinese satellites have found smoke and floating objects… At present we cannot confirm this is related to the missing aircraft,” said China’s civil aviation chief Li Jiaxiang.

China has sent more vessels and expanded the searching area for the missing flight that carried 154 Chinese passengers, hoping to find some traces.

As of Wednesday evening, eight Chinese vessels, including three warships, were conducting operations in the waters.

More Chinese ships are expected to reach the waters.

The vessels were carrying five helicopters, 12 professional divers and other equipment, said He Jianzhong, head of China Maritime Search and Rescue Center.

The search will not only cover an area 90 nautical miles long and 25 nautical miles wide, but also move northwestward, to an area 60 nautical miles long and wide, according to the center.

The plane has been missing for five days since contact with it was lost early on Saturday. It was flying over the Ho Chi Minh air traffic control area in Vietnam and carrying 227 passengers, including 154 Chinese.

Source: Agencies