At a Glance
- Malaysia launches a new seabed search for missing MH370 after a decade.
- Ocean Infinity will cover a 15,000-sq-km area, paid $70 million only if wreckage is found.
- The search will run intermittently from Dec 30 for 55 days following a weather-related pause.
- Why it matters: Families and the aviation world still seek closure on the 2014 disappearance.
The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which vanished on March 8, 2014, has been revived as the Malaysian government has green-lit a new seabed operation led by Ocean Infinity. The company will hunt a 15,000-sq-km zone in the southern Indian Ocean, with payment contingent on finding wreckage.
Resuming the Search
The new contract, signed in March, follows a previous 2018 attempt that ended without results. Ocean Infinity will be paid $70 million only if the aircraft is located, and the search will be conducted in targeted areas deemed most likely based on debris drift models.
- 15,000-sq-km search zone in the southern Indian Ocean
- $70 million payment only if wreckage is found
- Search to resume Dec 30 for 55 days after a weather-related pause
Background of the Mystery
Flight 370 disappeared 39 minutes after leaving Kuala Lumpur for Beijing on March 8, 2014, after the pilot’s last radio call, “Good night, Malaysian Three Seven Zero.” 2018 investigators cleared passengers and crew but did not rule out unlawful interference, and theories range from hijacking to technical failure.
- Search covered South China Sea, Andaman Sea, southern Indian Ocean; largest underwater search of 120,000 sq km
- First debris-a flaperon-found on Réunion Island in July 2015; additional fragments later found along east coast of Africa
- Search suspended Jan 2017; 2018 Ocean Infinity attempt under no-find-no-fee; challenges include deep water (avg 4 km) and bad weather
| Phase | Search Area | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | South China Sea, Andaman Sea, southern Indian Ocean (120,000 sq km) | Completed 2017 |
| 2018 Ocean Infinity | Targeted zones identified by debris drift | No wreckage found |
| Current | 15,000 sq km in southern Indian Ocean | Resuming Dec 30 for 55 days |
Key Takeaways
- Search resumed under no-find-no-fee with $70 million payment
- New 15,000-sq-km zone targeted after debris drift analysis
- Search will run 55 days starting Dec 30 after weather pause
With the hunt back on, families and investigators alike keep hoping that the wreckage, if found, will finally close the decades-long mystery of Flight 370.
