The Australian-led search for MH370 has ended after almost three years of joint efforts.
The Australian-led underwater search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been suspended indefinitely, the Australian, Malaysian and Chinese governments said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
Despite almost three years of scouring the Southern Indian Ocean for the missing Boeing 777 jetliner, no new evidence was found in the official 120,000-square kilometer search zone.
In a statement released by Malaysian Minister of Transport Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Australian Minister for Transport Darren Chester, and Chinese Minister of Transport Li Xiaopeng, the underwater search would be suspended indefinitely in light of no new evidence of the airplane's whereabouts.
"Today the last search vessel has left the underwater search area. Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has not been located in the 120,000-square kilometer underwater search area in the southern Indian Ocean," the statement said.
"Despite every effort using the best science available, cutting edge technology, as well as modeling and advice from highly skilled professionals who are the best in their field, unfortunately, the search has not been able to locate the aircraft.
"Accordingly, the underwater search for MH370 has been suspended."
The ministers expressed their unreserved condolences to the families of the missing passengers and crew who have been waiting for almost three years for closure.
"Today's announcement is significant for our three countries, but more importantly, for the family and friends of those on board the aircraft," the statement read.
