The MV Fugro Discovery has lost the sonar vehicle deep tow (towfish) being used to search the ocean floor for the missing Malaysian Airline MH370 while conducting search activities in the southern Indian Ocean.

According to the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC), the towfish collided with a mud volcano which rises 2,200 metres from the seafloor resulting in the vehicle’s tow cable breaking.

The towfish and 4,500 metres of cable became separated from the vessel and are now resting on the sea floor.

JACC also informed that there were no injuries to crew and it is believed it will be possible to recover the towfish at a later date.

Fugro Discovery is on its way to Fremantle where a replacement cable will be installed on the vessel. During the journey, the spare towfish on board Fugro Discovery will be readied for future search activities.

The vessel is expected in Fremantle around January 30, 2016, JAAC said.