Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said that data – based on tracking data supplied by British satellite company Inmarsat – confirms that the aircraft’s last position was in the Indian Ocean south of Perth, where crews are working to recover debris believed to come from the missing plane, and that we should assume “flight MH307 ended in the Southern Indian Ocean”.
“This evening I was briefed by representatives from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)… Based on their new analysis, Inmarsat and the AAIB have concluded that MH370 flew along the southern corridor, and that its last position was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, west of Perth,” he said. “This is a remote location, far from any possible landing sites. It is therefore with deep sadness and regret that I must inform you that according to this new data flight mh307 ended in the Southern Indian Ocean.”
Earlier, Malaysia Airlines had sent text messages to relatives saying that it is to be “assumed beyond any reasonable doubt” that MH370 has been lost.
“Malaysia Airlines deeply regrets that we have to assume that MH370 ended in the southern Indian Ocean,” it later said in a statement on its website. “On behalf of all of us at Malaysia Airlines and all Malaysians, our prayers go out to all the loved ones of the 226 passengers and of our 13 friends and colleagues at this enormously painful time.
“We know there are no words that we or anyone else can say which can ease your pain. We will continue to provide assistance and support to you, as we have done since MH370 first disappeared in the early hours of 8 March, while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
“The ongoing multinational search operation will continue, as we seek answers to the questions which remain. Alongside the search for MH370, there is an intensive investigation, which we hope will also provide answers.
“We would like to assure you that Malaysia Airlines will continue to give you our full support throughout the difficult weeks and months ahead.
“Once again, we humbly offer our sincere thoughts, prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said Monday’s search concluded without any sightings.
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