As the world marks the 10th anniversary of the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Malaysian officials have signaled a potential renewal of the search efforts for the ill-fated aircraft. The announcement comes following a proposal from a U.S. company, Ocean Infinity, which previously attempted to locate the plane in 2018.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed on Sunday that the Malaysian government is considering Ocean Infinity’s “no find, no fee” proposal to conduct a fresh search in the southern Indian Ocean, where MH370 is believed to have crashed. Loke stated that he would invite the company to present its latest proposal, and if deemed credible, seek Cabinet approval to sign a new contract to resume the search.
“The government is steadfast in our resolve to locate MH370,” Loke affirmed during a memorial event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the plane’s disappearance. “We really hope the search can find the plane and provide truth to the next-of-kin.”
Flight MH370 vanished from radar on March 8, 2014, shortly after departing from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing with 239 people on board, predominantly Chinese nationals. Satellite data indicated that the aircraft deviated from its intended flight path and veered over the southern Indian Ocean, where it is presumed to have met its fate.
Despite extensive multinational search efforts, including an exhaustive exploration of vast oceanic expanses and the deployment of cutting-edge technology, no trace of MH370 was ever found. Debris discovered along the east African coast and Indian Ocean islands provided scant clues, leaving investigators and grieving families grappling with unanswered questions.
Ocean Infinity’s previous search in 2018, conducted using advanced marine robotics, yielded no tangible results. However, the company has reportedly enhanced its technology and is poised to recommence the search, pending approval from Malaysian authorities.
V.P.R. Nathan, a member of the Voice MH370 next-of-kin group, disclosed that Ocean Infinity’s plans for a search last year were postponed due to logistical reasons but are now back on track.
As Malaysia contemplates the possibility of relaunching the search for MH370, the tragic incident continues to serve as a somber reminder of the enduring mystery surrounding the fate of the ill-fated flight and the lives lost onboard.
