"It then gets caught on a line around 30 degrees south, which ends up slightly south of Reunion."

The JACC confirmed on Tuesday that search efforts would increase as the weather continues to improve, as current winter swells are slowing progress.

"Vessels are working in the search area round the clock during the winter months and so far about half the priority search area has been examined," they said.

"With the onset of better weather in spring, it is expected the progress of the search will be quicker."

The JACC said the Australian government was working closely with the Malaysian government which ultimately has "overall" duty of care regarding the search for the airplane.

"The JACC will continue to coordinate the Australian government's support for the search into missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370," the spokesperson told Xinhua.

"In doing so, the JACC will continue to work closely with the government of Malaysia, which under international law has overall responsibility for the search and investigation."

MH370 was a scheduled Malaysia Airlines flight bound for Beijing from Kuala Lumpur on March 8, 2014.

The Boeing 777 was carrying 239 people, mostly from China, when it lost contact with air traffic control.

Since March 17, 2014, the Australian search effort has focused primarily in the Indian Ocean.