AirAsia flight QZ8501 crash - Live: Radar data shows 'unbelievably steep climb' that could have pushed plane beyond its limits

The salvage operation to recover victims of the crash continues today

Pilot and co-pilot of the Indonesian air force keep a look out during search and rescue operations for the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 (AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYOBAY ISMOYO/AFP/Getty Images)

The operation to recover the victims of the AirAsia flight QZ8501 disaster continues today as families of the 162 people on board mourn their loss.

Latest developments:

• Radar data reportedly shows the plane climbed steeply before crash

• The first victims' coffins have been returned to land

• Officials fear some bodies may wash up on beaches

• The salvage operation has been delayed by bad weather

• Search pilot describes victims 'holding hands' in water

• One body still in life jacket as sonar shows aircraft 'outline'

• Stories of crash victims start to emerge

• Son of pilot thinks 'daddy is still at work'

• Investigators piecing together the final fatal minutes

The last traces of hope disappeared yesterday when bodies were spotted floating in the Java Sea alongside suitcases, lifejackets and wreckage, confirming fears that the plane had crashed.

Investigators are trying to piece together the fatal final minutes of the Airbus A320, as it flew through storms on its way from Surabaya, in Indonesia, to Singapore on Sunday.