Malaysian Government Considers Re-opening Search for MH370

The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200ER lost as MH370 in 2014.
Photo: Boeing 777-200ER 9M-MRO. Laurent ERRERA ,CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nearly a decade after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, a glimmer of hope emerges for the families of the victims.

The Malaysian government has expressed openness to resuming the search for the missing Boeing 777, potentially in collaboration with a U.S. ocean exploration company.

Disappearance on March 8 2014

MH370 vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, with 239 people on board.

Despite extensive underwater searches covering millions of square kilometers, the wreckage has never been found, leaving the cause of the disaster a profound mystery.

The renewed consideration for a search comes as the 10th anniversary of the tragedy approaches.

Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook, speaking at a ceremony organized by the families of the missing, acknowledged the immense emotional toll the ongoing uncertainty has taken.

He stated, “This is the biggest aviation mystery in the whole world. We must solve this mystery,” underscoring the government’s commitment to providing closure for those affected.

Relatives of passengers also urged the move to commission a new search as they gathered on Sunday to commemorate the ten year anniversary of the flight’s disappearance.

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Potential Partner for Search Effort

The potential search effort would involve partnering with U.S. ocean exploration company, Ocean Infinity, leveraging their expertise and technology.

The specific details of the collaboration, including the proposed search area and financial arrangements, are yet to be finalized; though a ‘no find, no fee’ arrangement has been floated.

This willingness to explore external partnerships signifies a shift in the government’s approach, potentially offering new avenues for uncovering the truth.

The previous search efforts, spanning several countries and utilizing sophisticated underwater search equipment, were ultimately unsuccessful.

This led to the official suspension of the search in 2017. However, the families of the victims have persistently advocated for continued efforts, insisting that no answer is worse than no answer at all.

Their unwavering hope and advocacy have undoubtedly played a crucial role in keeping the search for MH370 in the public eye.

ADV Ocean Shield deploys the Bluefin-21 autonomous underwater vehicle to conduct the survey for MH370

The potential resumption of the search is a complex decision with significant logistical and financial implications.

The Malaysian government will need to weigh the costs and potential benefits against the ongoing emotional strain faced by the families.

Additionally, the technical feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed search strategy will need thorough evaluation.

Despite the uncertainties, the Malaysian government’s openness to resuming the search offers a beacon of hope in this long-standing tragedy.

For the families of the victims, it represents a potential opportunity to finally gain some closure and understand the fate of their loved ones.

The world, too, holds its breath, hoping that this renewed effort may finally unravel the mystery surrounding MH370 and shed light on one of aviation’s most baffling disappearances.


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By Len Varley - Assistant Editor 4 Min Read
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