The Australia Maritime Safety Authority, at a press briefing at 12.30pm said the images of the debris were captured by satellite. They might not be related to the missing flight.

4 aircraft have been deployed to locate the objects as a result of the latest information, it said.

The first aircraft deployed to locate the objects should be on scene now, it added. The focus of search operation is to locate MH370. But poor visibility has been reported and may hamper search.

But the imagery, while imprecise, is credible enough to divert assets to the area, it said.