Malaysia Reopens Search for MH370 Wreckage After a Decade

Malaysia has agreed to resume the search for the wreckage of Flight MH370, which disappeared over the southern Indian Ocean more than 10 years ago. The decision was confirmed by Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, following a proposal from Ocean Infinity, an exploration company that previously conducted the search efforts.

Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, vanished on Mar. 8, 2014, with 227 passengers and 12 crew members on board. The aircraft's last transmission occurred about 40 minutes after takeoff, when it entered Vietnamese airspace. Shortly afterward, its transponder was switched off, and military radar showed the plane deviating from its flight path, ultimately heading south into the southern Indian Ocean, where all contact was lost.

Since the plane’s disappearance, debris confirmed to be from MH370 has washed up along the coasts of Africa and several Indian Ocean islands. Despite extensive search efforts by Malaysia, Australia, and China, no substantial wreckage has been found. 

“We hope this time will be positive, that the wreckage will be found and give closure to the families,” Loke said during a press conference. He added that the responsibility and obligation of the Malaysian government is to the next of kin.

The new search will focus on a 15,000Km2 area of the southern Indian Ocean, identified based on updated data. Ocean Infinity, which previously conducted searches in 2018, will once again lead the operation. Under the terms of the new agreement, Ocean Infinity will be compensated up to US$70 million only if significant wreckage is found.

Loke confirmed that the new search would be conducted under a "no-find, no-fee" agreement, meaning Malaysia will not pay Ocean Infinity unless wreckage is discovered and verified. “The data has all been presented. Our team has reviewed it, and they feel it is credible,” Loke explained, referencing the recent analysis by multiple experts.

The search will cover a new area based on refined data about the potential location of the wreckage. While the location was not disclosed, Loke expressed optimism that this new approach, supported by Ocean Infinity’s technology, would lead to a breakthrough.

Since the disappearance, the mystery surrounding Flight MH370 has captured the world’s attention. While some of the aircraft's wreckage has been located, the majority remains elusive. Loke's announcement of the resumption of the search brings new hope to families still seeking answers.

“Investigators could not determine who was responsible and stopped short of offering a conclusion on what happened, stating that finding the wreckage was key,” Loke noted. The search is expected to continue for 18 months under the new agreement with Ocean Infinity, with hopes that this final push will bring the mystery to a close.