Object of Interest Washes Ashore Amid Search for Missing Flight 370

Authorities hope to determine whether metal is connected to doomed flight.

ByABC News
April 23, 2014, 5:42 AM

April 23, 2014— -- An unidentified object washed ashore in Australia today, and investigators are trying to determine whether it is related to missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

The metal item washed ashore near Augusta, on the country’s southwestern coastline, according to a news release from Australian authorities.

Search crews detected several "pings"

The news has been shared with Malaysia officials, who are overseeing the overall search efforts.

Authorities believe the jet landed in the Indian Ocean, but have yet to find any evidence directly connected to the doomed plane.

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370: What Happens Now?

The 777 jetliner was carrying 239 people when it went missing March 8.