The two areas where the identified objects from the downed Casa were found are providing the focal point for further searches, including an identified object located 60 metres below the surface that could be associated with the missing aircraft.
Wednesday afternoon, and a Chinese vessel has found an object which might belong to Casa 212. It has been handed over to Vietnamese authorities.
Nguyen Anh Vu, Director, Vietnamese Maritime Search and Rescue Co-operation Centre said: There might be a case where the pilots go adrift. We are keeping an eye on drifting objects, following the direction of the wind. Possible areas include to the north, east, and south of Bach Long Islands and we have already put men there.
15 Chinese vessels have joined the operation in the eastern side of maritime delimitation line in the Gulf of Tonkin in Chinese waters. Plans to recover objects 60 metres under water have been prepared.
Major General Nguyen Quang Dam, Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard said: China has facilitated Vietnamese vessels going to the eastern side of the delimitation line. When Chinese ambassador learnt from the deputy defence minister that one of the missing pilots, Le Kiem Toan, joined the MH370 search operation, China supported us more.
The search and rescue zone has been expanded to coastal provinces from Nghe An to Quang Ninh. All vessels in the area are asked to support authorities in the operation.
