Malaysia has officially granted final approval for Texas-based marine robotics company Ocean Infinity to resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. The aircraft, which disappeared over a decade ago, is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.
Malaysia’s Commitment to Finding Flight MH370
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on Wednesday that cabinet ministers have agreed to sign a “no-find, no-fee” deal with Ocean Infinity. Under the deal, the company will be paid $70 million only if it manages to find the wreckage.
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The Boeing 777 disappeared from radar just minutes after taking off from Kuala Lumpur on March 8, 2014. The flight was headed to Beijing with 239 individuals on board, the majority of whom were Chinese nationals. Satellite information showed that the aircraft took a sharp turn south and ultimately plunged into the Indian Ocean.
Although there has been a wide-ranging multinational search and a 2018 private hunt by Ocean Infinity, no serious leads on where the plane might be were found. Some pieces of debris suspected to be MH370 have also washed up on the east coast of Africa and Indian Ocean islands.
Advanced Technology to Aid the Search
Ocean Infinity CEO Oliver Plunkett had earlier indicated that the firm has considerably upgraded its technology since its previous search in 2018. He further mentioned that they have been working together with specialists to scrutinize accessible data, bringing the search focus down to the most likely location.
Loke has affirmed that the Malaysian government is about to sign a deal with Ocean Infinity. However, the terms of the deal have not been revealed. The company has allegedly already sent out a search ship to the area, as the experts consider January to April to be the most optimal time to search.
“The government is committed to continuing the search operation and providing closure for the families of the passengers of flight MH370,” Loke said.
With renewed vigor and enhanced search technology, authorities and relatives of the missing passengers are optimistic that this new mission will finally reveal the long-lost plane.
