The search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is commencing a new phase and will transition over the coming weeks to an intensified undersea search, informs the Joint Agency Coordination Centre. 

In the meantime Bluefin-21, which has completed its search of the 314 square kilometre area around the detections made by the Towed Pinger Locator, will continue to search adjacent areas.

Mission 17 will commence when weather conditions improve allowing Bluefin-21 to be safely launched from Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield.

Ocean Shield will remain on station supporting Bluefin-21 search activity.

Over the coming days the vessels that remain on standby for the search will transition to and from the search area.

A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion also remains on standby in Perth.

Other vessels and aircraft that have been engaged in the surface and aerial search will now transition to their respective national tasking in the coming days.