The deep-sea search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared in March 2014, is scheduled to recommence on December 30. This renewed operation, led by U.S.-based marine robotics firm Ocean Infinity, is projected to last for 55 days and will focus on a new 15,000-square-kilometer site in the southern Indian Ocean. The search will operate under a "no-find, no-fee" contract with the Malaysian government.
The renewed deep-sea search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is set to recommence on December 30, led by Ocean Infinity under a "no-find, no-fee" contract with the Malaysian government. This operation is projected to last 55 days and will focus on a new 15,000-square-kilometer site.
Background of Flight MH370
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 aircraft carrying 239 individuals, lost radar contact on March 8, 2014, shortly after departing Kuala Lumpur for Beijing, China. Satellite data indicates the aircraft deviated from its planned route and proceeded south into the far-southern Indian Ocean, where it is presumed to have crashed. The majority of the passengers were Chinese nationals. This incident prompted the largest search effort in aviation history.
Details of the Upcoming Search
The Malaysian transport ministry has confirmed the resumption of search operations, demonstrating continued commitment to addressing the situation surrounding the missing aircraft. Ocean Infinity will conduct intermittent search operations starting December 30, with a total duration of 55 days. These operations will target specific areas in the Indian Ocean identified as having a high probability of containing the aircraft.
Under the "no-find, no-fee" contract approved by the Malaysian government in March, Ocean Infinity will receive a payment of $70 million only upon the discovery of the aircraft's wreckage. The renewed search will cover a new 15,000-square-kilometer (5,800-square-mile) site. Previous search attempts by Ocean Infinity, including one in 2018, did not yield results, and a recent phase of operations was paused in April due to adverse weather conditions.
Previous Search Efforts and Findings
Prior multinational search operations did not succeed in locating the main wreckage of Flight MH370. However, various pieces of debris confirmed to be from MH370 have washed ashore on the east African coast and several Indian Ocean islands over time.
Family Appeals for Continued Efforts
Voice 370, a group representing the families of those on board, has urged the Malaysian government to extend Ocean Infinity's contract or consider similar arrangements with other deep-sea exploration companies. The group has noted that Ocean Infinity's vessel has been redeployed for other work, making its return to complete remaining search areas unlikely in the near future due, in part, to approaching winter months and deteriorating sea conditions. Voice 370 has highlighted that the "no-find, no-fee" structure means the government incurs no cost unless the aircraft is found.