Ten years after Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 vanished, carrying 239 passengers and crew, the Malaysian government has approved a renewed search for the missing aircraft.
On Friday, Malaysia’s transport minister Anthony Loke revealed the government “in principle” approval of a $70m deal. This new search will be undertaken on a “no-find, no-fee” basis by US-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity to find the aircraft.
The decision to resume the search comes after years of uncertainty and unanswered questions surrounding the plane’s disappearance.
A Decade of Uncertainty
On March 8, 2014, MH370, operated by a Boeing 777-200, departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport en route to Beijing. However, the aircraft mysteriously vanished from radar screens shortly afterwards.
It has left behind a trail of unanswered questions and a global search effort that spanned years. Despite extensive efforts, including satellite imagery analysis and underwater searches, the wreckage of MH370 has remained elusive.
Previous Search Efforts
The initial search efforts focused on the southern Indian Ocean, based on acquired satellite data and largely driven by Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) analysis. Extensive underwater searches were conducted by multinational teams, including Australia, Malaysia, and China. However, these efforts yielded no conclusive results, and the search was suspended in 2018.
A New Approach
The renewed search, approved by the Malaysian cabinet, will be undertaken by Ocean Infinity, a US-based marine exploration company.
The company will focus on a new search area in the southern Indian Ocean, based on more recent data analysis and expert opinions. The search will be conducted under a “no find, no fee” agreement, meaning Ocean Infinity will only be compensated if the wreckage is located.
Hope for Closure
The decision to resume the search has brought renewed hope for closure for the families of the missing passengers and crew.
While the chances of finding the wreckage may be slim, the families remain hopeful that the renewed efforts will provide answers and bring some measure of peace.
Expanding on the Information
New Search Area
The new search area, identified by Ocean Infinity, is based on the latest information and data analyses conducted by experts and researchers. The company has proposed a 15,000 square kilometer area in the southern Indian Ocean for the renewed search.
“No Find, No Fee” Agreement
The “no find, no fee” agreement ensures that the Malaysian government will only pay Ocean Infinity if the wreckage of MH370 is located. This risk-sharing approach allows for a renewed search effort without significant upfront costs for the government.
Technological Advancements
Ocean Infinity has equipped its advanced autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) with cutting-edge technology, including high-resolution sonar and artificial intelligence capabilities. These technologies will greatly improve the search and increase the chances of finding the wreckage.
Family Support
The families of the missing passengers and crew have actively advocated for the resumption of the search. Their unwavering hope and determination have played a crucial role. They have tirelessly advocated for keeping the search alive and ensuring that MH370 is not forgotten.
International Cooperation
The renewed search effort involves international cooperation among various stakeholders. These include the Malaysian government, Ocean Infinity, and aviation experts from around the world. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring the success of the search and bringing closure to this tragic event.
The Path Forward
Despite the benefit of more recent debris analysis and ocean current studies, the renewed search for MH370 remains a complex and challenging undertaking.
However, it represents a commitment to resolving one of the greatest aviation mysteries of our time. As the search progresses, the world will watch with anticipation. The hope for a breakthrough that will finally bring closure to this tragic event has now endured a decade.
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