ON BOARD MV SWIFT RESCUE - The search-and-support vessel, which departed Singapore on Tuesday evening, has started its search for the ill-fated AirAsia Flight QZ8501's wreckage, upon its arrival to the disaster site at the south of Borneo, where the plane has allegedly crashed into.

"We are sweeping a sector where it is believed to be a very likely place to locate the wreckage," said deputy officer-commanding Wee Hong Tat.

The 33-year-old major added: "The location is based on information provided by the Indonesian authorities who have taken into consideration the plane's last known position."

Operation planners have also factored in bad weather and sea condition in the area when they decided on the search location, said Major Wee.

Heavy rain, high waves and strong gusts of wind had prevented search operations on Wednesday, according to earlier media reports.