Ten years after MH370 disappeared, a fourth search is about to begin. Previous attempts to find a needle in a haystack, including a multinational search and two by the US company Ocean Infinity, have all failed. This time, the contract will be carried out on a “no find, no fee” basis.
History of the disappearance of MH370
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 was a Boeing 777 carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members. The plane disappeared on March 8, 2014, while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
Although several pieces of debris have been found along the coast of Africa and on islands in the Indian Ocean, only three wing fragments have been confirmed to belong to MH370.
In 2018, the Malaysian government released a 495-page report that said someone may have tampered with the plane's controls. However, the report did not identify responsibility or the exact cause, and said that it could only be determined what happened when the wreckage was found.
Why was the search for MH370 restarted?
Malaysia said it had reviewed new information from multiple experts and Ocean Infinity was confident it could locate the plane.
The search will focus on a new area of seabed in the southern Indian Ocean, spanning 15,000 square kilometers, and will last 18 months. The company plans to start searching between January and April, the optimal time to carry out the mission.
Under the deal, the Malaysian government will only pay Ocean Infinity if it finds and verifies significant debris. If successful, the company will receive a reward of $70 million.
What is known about the final journey of MH370?
Just 40 minutes after takeoff, MH370 captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah made his final contact with the ground: “Good night, Malaysia three seven zero.” Shortly after, the navigation system was turned off, making it difficult to track the plane.
Military radar data shows that MH370 veered off course, flying over Malaysia, Penang Island, out into the Andaman Sea, and towards the Indonesian island of Sumatra before disappearing. This is all that is known about the fateful flight.
Previous search efforts
The first major search, conducted jointly by Malaysia, Australia and China, covered 120,000 square kilometres of the southern Indian Ocean floor. Based on data from Inmarsat satellites, the effort cost more than $140 million but found no trace. The search ended in January 2017.
Ocean Infinity then conducted two separate searches but also yielded no positive results.
Hope from the new search
With advanced technology and updated data, this search brings new hope in solving the mystery of MH370. If the plane wreckage is found, not only the families of the victims but also the whole world can find the solution to one of the greatest aviation mysteries in history. However, many people believe that this search may just be "looking for a needle in a haystack".
