Ten years after the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, the Malaysian government has greenlit a new search operation. This initiative is backed by Ocean Infinity, a Texas-based exploration company, which has finalized terms for a seabed search covering an expansive 5,800-square-mile area.

Contractual Agreement Details

The agreement with Ocean Infinity outlines a “no-find, no-fee” contract, meaning the company will only receive payment—estimated at $70 million—if wreckage from the flight is located. Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized the government’s dedication to providing closure for the families affected by this aviation tragedy.

The Disappearance: A Recap

Flight MH370 vanished from radar on March 8, 2014, shortly after departing from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing, with 239 people on board. Following its departure, satellite data indicated that the Boeing 777 had deviated from its intended flight path and is presumed to have crashed in the remote southern Indian Ocean.

Previous Search Efforts

Despite extensive international search efforts, no definitive evidence of the aircraft’s location has been uncovered, although scattered debris has washed ashore in regions along the east African coastline and Indian Ocean islands. Ocean Infinity conducted a private search in 2018 that also did not yield any results. However, advancements in their technology since that time could enhance the chances of success in the upcoming search.

Next Steps

Minister Loke announced that the finalization of the contract with Ocean Infinity is imminent, although specific details have yet to be shared publicly. As part of their planning, the company has reportedly positioned a search vessel in the intended area, with the January to April window identified as optimal for conducting the operation.

Community Sentiment

Voice370, a collective of MH370 victims’ relatives, has expressed concerns regarding the need for closure and the implications of unresolved mysteries for global aviation safety. They urge that understanding the events surrounding the flight is critical to preventing similar incidents in the future.