Will Malaysia Finally Locate MH370? New Search Resumes With 'Credible' Proposal

In a significant development, Malaysia has confirmed that it will resume the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board.

The search will be based on a "credible" proposal from Ocean Infinity, a US-based marine exploration company.

Photo Credit: Oneindia

Will Malaysia Finally Locate MH370?

This proposal, submitted in June 2024, suggests a new search area in the southern Indian Ocean, specifically off the coast of Western Australia. The search will follow a "no find, no fee" arrangement, ensuring Malaysia will only incur costs if the wreckage is discovered.

Malaysia's Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, made this announcement in parliament on November 5, confirming that the government is in advanced talks with Ocean Infinity. He stated that the proposal, backed by the latest expert analysis, is under consideration, and once finalized, it will be presented for cabinet approval.

Ocean Infinity, a marine robotics company based in Texas, previously conducted a search for the missing plane in 2018. The company believes it has new scientific evidence that could help pinpoint the final resting place of MH370. Their CEO, Oliver Plunkett, expressed confidence about returning to the search, stating, "Finding MH370 and providing closure for those affected has been a priority for us since we left the southern Indian Ocean in 2018."

MH370 disappeared from radar on March 8, 2014, during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 227 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Satellite data analysis suggested the plane likely crashed in the southern Indian Ocean. Despite extensive searches led by Malaysia, China, and Australia, as well as a follow-up search by Ocean Infinity in 2018, no significant evidence was found.

The initial search efforts were vast, covering Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, and involved nearly 60 ships and 50 aircraft. However, despite the extensive resources, the search was suspended in 2017 after failing to yield substantial results. Now, with a new proposal and the potential for a fresh search in a targeted 15,000 square kilometre zone, Malaysia hopes to finally uncover answers.

The renewed search efforts come at a time when Chinese authorities are reviewing compensation claims from over 40 families of passengers who were on board. The Chinese foreign ministry has expressed appreciation for Malaysia's continued commitment to resolving the mystery of MH370, with spokesperson Wang Wenbin welcoming the collaboration.

As talks continue, Malaysia's government remains determined to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of Flight MH370 and bring closure to the families affected by this tragic event.