The search for missing plane MH370 has entered a new phase of intensive underwater searches as finding surface wreckage ‘looks highly unlikely’.
As he announced plans for a more intensive underwater search, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot said the ocean floor would now be searched over a much larger area.
He told reporters in Canberra: "I am now required to say to you that it is highly unlikely at this stage that we will find any aircraft debris on the ocean surface.
"By this stage, 52 days into the search, most material would have become water logged and sunk."
Australia is coordinating the search for the missing aircraft which disappeared on March 8 carrying 239 people and is believed to have crashed into the southern Indian Ocean.
Abbot added: "Essentially though what we are looking to do is conduct as thorough an undersea search as is humanly possible," Abbott said.
"If necessary, of the entire probable impact zone which is roughly 700 kilometres by 80 kilometres.
"While the search will be moving to a new phase in coming weeks, it certainly is not ending."
