MH370: Britain's HMS Echo deployed to aid in search for missing jet

The United Kingdom (UK) has deployed its survey ship HMS Echo to assist in the search of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 aircraft.

The ship which is on the way from the Persian gulf, follows an offer of assistance from British Prime Minister David Cameron to Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during a telephone conversation on Tuesday.

"The UK has remained in close touch with the Malaysian and Australian authorities since the disappearance of flight MH370 on 8th March and has offered an additional package of support,” said a UK Foreign Office spokesman.

The multi-survey vessel can support submarine and amphibious operations is currently on its way to the southern Indian Ocean.

The ship also boasts a team of expert surveyors who will be able to help work out where the plane may drifted based on oceanographic patterns.

To date, the UK has sent two Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) representatives supported by Rolls Royce and Inmarsat advisors while experts from the Ministry of Defence, the Hydrographic Office, Department for Transport and Met Office are working with Malaysian authorities to analyse satellite, weather and sea data to help locate the aircraft.

A British fishery patrol vessel has been involved in search operations in the waters around the British Indian Ocean Territory while UK police and relevant authorities have also helped with routine checks on the manifest of those recorded as travelling on MH370.

The HMS Echo will join countries including Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand and the US which have deployed its ships and aircraft to try and find the missing jet.