[Peetwo]

Update 21/06/16 - via news.com.au:

Officials mull over MH370 search future
June 21, 2016 7:06pm

AAP

Update 22/06/16 - In an update to the News Corp article (above):

Possible MH370 debris left to languish in Madagascar
June 22, 2016 12:00am
Robyn Ironside
National Aviation Writer
News Corp Australia Network




EXCLUSIVE

MH370 Families will have to wait until after the Federal Election to find out if there is any chance of the search for the missing plane being extended any further.

A two-day meeting of Australian, Malaysian and Chinese officials in Kuala Lumpur has reached no final decision — other than to postpone a decision until July.

The three countries have previously said there will be no extension to the search without credible new evidence of MH370’s final resting place.

MH370 families have shared photos of personal items found on the beach at Madagascar, near where other possible aircraft debris was located by Blaine Gibson. Picture: Air Crash Support Group Australia

About 15,000 square kilometres of seabed in the Southern Indian Ocean is still to be scoured by ships equipped with sensitive deep-water sonar gear.

Australia’s Transport Minister Darren Chester said he remained hopeful of a positive outcome in that time.

It may come down to money — with Australia committing no further funds to the search that has already cost taxpayers $90 million. Malaysia has contributed a similar sum, and China about $10 million.

Further questions have been raised about Malaysia’s commitment to the search after the country twice cancelled an official’s trip to Madagascar to collect aircraft debris that could provide crucial clues about the Boeing 777.

The aircraft debris that may hold vital clues to the mystery are languishing in storage in Madagascar because Malaysia will not pay for anyone to collect it.

One of 17 items of possible “hand luggage” from MH370 found on Riake Beach in Madagascar. Picture: Air Crash Support Group Australia

Five pieces of debris including what appears to be the frame of an in-flight entertainment unit have been recovered by self-funded MH370 investigator Blaine Gibson from Riake Beach in Nosy Boraha.

The items were found in the same area as 17 bags and backpacks, that may possibly be hand-luggage from the missing Malaysia Airlines’ flight.

Mr Gibson travelled to Madagascar on the advice of Australian oceanographers, who said that was most likely to be where debris from MH370 would be found now.

The US blogger and lawyer previously found a horizontal stabiliser in Mozambique, which was determined to be “almost certainly” from the Boeing 777.

He said it was very important the debris was examined by experts.

“If confirmed from MH370, this is the fartherest north debris has been discovered and the first time that more than one piece has been found on the same beach,” said Mr Gibson.


A Rivers’ brand shoe — the likes of which is only sold in Australia and New Zealand — found near other possible MH370 debris in Madagascar. Picture: Air Crash Support Group Australia

“If these are confirmed as being from 370, and especially if any of the personal effects can be traced to the passengers, Riake Beach may be the closest thing to a 370 debris field that is yet to be found or may exist.”

But so far, the items had not been collected by the MH370 Safety Investigation Team from Madagascan authorities.

“The Malaysian member of the MH370 Safety Investigation Team ... wants to come and it is very unfortunate that his superiors have cancelled his trips on two occasions to recover this important evidence,” Mr Gibson said.

“There are barnacles on the monitor case that need to be examined before they deteriorate further.”

A spokesman for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed retrieval and analysis of evidence such as possible debris was the responsibility of the Government of Malaysia.

“The debris will need to be examined to ascertain its origin,” said the spokesman.

“Australia stands ready to assist Malaysia with that as required.”

Inquiries to Malaysia’s Minister of Transport were not answered.

The Malaysia Airlines’ flight from Kuala Lumpur disappeared on March 8, 2014 with 239 people on board, including six Australians.

Investigators have estimated the plane came down in the Southern Indian Ocean but have been unable to find the fuselage.

To date debris found on Reunion Island, Mozambique and Mauritius has been consistent with the aircraft’s proposed final resting place.

This bit...

...A spokesman for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed retrieval and analysis of evidence such as possible debris was the responsibility of the Government of Malaysia.


“The debris will need to be examined to ascertain its origin,” said the spokesman.


“Australia stands ready to assist Malaysia with that as required.”


Inquiries to Malaysia’s Minister of Transport were not answered...

  This could be the first real sign of a true debris field and yet the Malaysians won't even approve a Malaysian member of the JIT team to take claim of the possible debris items - UDB!

Dear Malcolm & Chester,

You might be in government caretaker mode but you still represent Australia as a sovereign nation and signatory to ICAO, therefore Malcolm & Chester start making calls NOW!


MTF...P2