Australia has announced that it is investigating two large objects seen on satellite imagery that are potentially linked to the missing MH370 Malaysia Airways flight.
The objects were spotting floating in the southern Indian Ocean, 1,550 miles southwest of Perth. Search and Rescue teams are now on their way to investigate.
John Young of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the largest object was 24 metres (79 feet) in size.
“The objects are relatively indistinct on the imagery, 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 out of the surface.”
He added that poor visibility will likely hamper the search for the objects, and they may yet not be related to the missing plane.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the discovery of the objects to parliament: “The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has received information based on satellite information of objects possibly related to the search.”
“Following specialist analysis of this satellite imagery, two possible objects related to the search have been identified.”
In a later press conference, The Malaysian Transport Minister spoke of the discovery of the objects, saying they now have “one credible lead” which “gives us hope” to finding the plane. He added that several aircraft, including a Royal Australian Air Force Orion aircraft, and three more planes from the U.S. and New Zealand.
The UK is also planning to send a ship to the region.
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