With the search for Malaysian Airlines MH370 moving to a new phase this week, the two British ships involved – Hydrographical vessel HMS Echo, and submarine HMS Tireless – have been withdrawn from the search and are both in port in Western Australia. I invited Defence Minister, Senator David Johnston, to come on board to meet some of those involved in the search.
He thanked captains and crews, and commented how seamlessly the British ships had worked with the Australian operational command, and other international partners. We were given fascinating briefings on the conduct of the search. It was interesting to hear the practical details of how highly trained operators had worked around the clock, monitoring very sensitive equipment, in the hope of detecting a faint signal on the right frequency. Sadly, so far the search has not been successful, but the next phase continues.
The sailors described the extreme sea conditions in which they had been operating. “They’re not called the Roaring Forties for nothing” one commented. This meant the submarine was particularly useful, as it was able to continue to work, 200 metres down, even when weather conditions prevented surface and air searches. HMS Tireless had travelled 4000 miles in ten days to take part in the search.
The two ships’ crews are now enjoying some brief but well-deserved R &R in the West Australian sunshine.
