MH370 search to restart based on ‘credible’ proposal, says Malaysia

Malaysia is preparing to relaunch the search for the long-lost Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 which vanished in 2014 with 239 people aboard, following what officials describe as a “credible” proposal pinpointing a new area in the southern Indian Ocean. On 5 November, transport minister Anthony Loke confirmed to parliament that Malaysia is in advanced talks with Ocean Infinity, a US-based marine exploration company, over a plan submitted in June 2024 to resume the search in a 15,000sqkm zone off the coast of Western Australia. The proposal adheres to a “no find, no fee” structure, meaning that Malaysia would only incur costs if wreckage is located. “Based on the latest information and analysis from experts and researchers, Ocean Infinity’s search proposal is credible and can be considered by the Malaysian government as the flight’s official registrar,” said Mr Loke, adding that the company is requesting a fee of $70m if successful – an amount similar to what was proposed in an earlier attempt. “The terms and costs requested are in the same draft agreement currently being negotiated between the government and Ocean Infinity. Should it be finalised, cabinet approval will be required, and I will make a public announcement,” he said. Since its disappearance during its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, it has become the biggest mystery in aviation history and theories of what happened to the 227 passengers and 12 crew members have been extensively evaluated. Satellite data analysis showed the plane likely crashed somewhere in the southern Indian Ocean, off the coast of western Australia. However, two major searches failed to come up with any significant findings. After the original search led by Malaysia, China, and Australia was suspended in 2017, and a private effort by Ocean Infinity concluded without success in 2018, interest in reopening the search has gathered momentum.<br/>