Will the lost sonar detector delay the ongoing MH370 search?

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The Lost Sonar Detector's Impact on the MH370 Search Timeline Remains Undetermined

Authorities have not yet indicated whether the loss of a deep-water sonar detector will delay the ongoing search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. The equipment, known as a towfish, was lost when its tow cable broke after colliding with a mud volcano rising 2,200 meters from the seafloor. While a spare towfish is being prepared on the search vessel Fugro Discovery, the timeframe for its deployment and potential impact on the overall search schedule has not been specified.
Equipment Loss During Deep-Sea Operations

The incident occurred when the towfish, which operates approximately 100 meters above the seabed, encountered an unexpected geological feature. This collision resulted in the separation of the towfish and 4,500 meters of its associated cable, both of which are now resting on the ocean floor. The towfish is designed to scan the seabed by emitting sound waves diagonally across a wide area, creating a detailed image of the underwater terrain.
Preparation of a Replacement Detector

The Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC), responsible for overseeing the search efforts, confirmed that a spare towfish is available on board the search vessel Fugro Discovery. Efforts are underway to prepare this replacement unit for deployment. Despite the setback, there is an expectation that the lost towfish may be recoverable at a later stage, suggesting a potential, albeit unconfirmed, avenue for retrieving the equipment.
Uncertainty Regarding Search Schedule

While the JACC had previously stated its intention to complete the scouring of the designated seafloor area by the end of June, the current statement does not confirm whether this timeline will be affected by the loss of the sonar detector. The focus remains on preparing the spare equipment to continue the search operations in the remote southern Indian Ocean, an area of approximately 120,000 square kilometers.

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Will the lost sonar detector delay the ongoing MH370 search?

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