Search for QZ8501 at Belitung moves further south

BELITUNG, Indonesia: The search for the missing AirAsia plane QZ8501 has resumed in Manggar on Tuesday (Dec 30) morning, with a total of six boats combing the Java Sea, officials said in a briefing to reporters.

Officials added that the search on Tuesday will be supported by at least two boats from fishermen. The search area has moved south, will cover 35 nautical miles by 20 nautical miles, and is approximately two nautical miles north from the last contact point of the plane.

Earlier, chief commander of the Manggar navy base Purwanto said the waves in the sea was approximately one metre to two metres.

Rain drizzled down on Tuesday morning, but the search for the missing will still continue, said Mr Purwanto. However, he added that the search may be halted "in extreme conditions".