Bodies retrieved in QZ8501 search, full-on search tomorrow

 An Indonesian warship has recovered more than 40 bodies from the Java Sea today in the search for AirAsia flight QZ8501, a navy spokesman told AFP.

"Based on the navy radio, it has been reported that the warship Bung Tomo has retrieved 40 bodies and the number is growing. They are very busy now," Manahan Simorangkir said.

The number of bodies retrieved was corrected later this evening by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) chief Bambang Soelistyo, who said that only three bodies had been recovered so far.

AirAsia Flight QZ8501 with 162 on board goes missing on way to Singapore

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Airline CEO: Unknown if weather was an issue, but pilot asked to fly higher
• Plane went missing over heavily traveled shipping channel, officials say
• 162 people are on board missing flight, including 18 children
• Search operation halted for the night, but big ships won't return to shore

(CNN) -- An AirAsia passenger jet carrying 162 people lost contact with Indonesian air traffic control early Sunday, gripping Southeast Asia with a second missing plane crisis in less than a year.

The search operation for the missing AirAsia Flight QZ8501 has been halted for the night, but big ships won't return to shore and will leave their searchlights on, according to the Indonesian Transportation Ministry.

Before communication was lost, one of the pilots asked to fly at a higher altitude because of bad weather, officials said.

U.S. officials lean toward 'those in the cockpit' behind missing flight

By Barbara Starr, Chelsea J. Carter and Jim Clancy, CNN

March 16, 2014 -- Updated 0304 GMT (1104 HKT)

 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CNN) -- U.S. intelligence officials are leaning toward the theory that "those in the cockpit" -- the pilots of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 -- were responsible for the mysterious disappearance of the commercial jetliner, a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the latest thinking told CNN on Saturday.