The search for the missing MH370 flight is ready to start after “credible” evidence of its location has been uncovered.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
The aircraft, carrying 12 crew members and 227 passengers, veered off course and is believed to have crashed into the Indian Ocean.
Despite extensive search efforts, the plane and those onboard have never been found, fuelling countless conspiracy theories and making MH370 one of the greatest aviation mysteries of the modern era.
Well, we might be about to get some answers.
Underwater robotics company Ocean Infinity has presented a “credible” search proposal to the Malaysian government, igniting hope for closure nearly a decade after the plane’s disappearance, per the Sun.
According to company sources, Ocean Infinity has three robotic vessels standing by, ready to commence the search upon government approval.
The operation, which could launch as early as this month, is anticipated to take three months, targeting a 15,000-square-kilometer search zone off the coast of Western Australia -the last known location of the ill-fated aircraft.
Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, confirmed “advanced talks” with the U.S.-based marine exploration firm, stating that the proposal, submitted in June, is considered promising.
Loke added: “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.”
The proposed operation involves a “no find, no fee” arrangement. If successful, Malaysia would incur a $70 million bill.
Loke further explained that the draft agreement is currently under review and would require cabinet approval. “Should it be finalized,” he noted, “I will make a public announcement.”
Ocean Infinity CEO Oliver Plunkett shared his commitment to the search, stating: “We now feel in a position to be able to return to the search for missing aircraft MH370 and have submitted a proposal to the Malaysian government.
“Finding MH370 and bringing some resolution for all connected with the loss of the aircraft has been a constant in our minds since we left the southern Indian Ocean in 2018.”
Among the tools that may play a role in the search is Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) technology.
Professor Simon Maskell from Liverpool University, an adviser on the project, and his team have been exploring WSPR’s potential for tracking aircraft.
Additionally, Ocean Infinity is reportedly considering hydrophone data – sounds detected by underwater microphones – adding another layer to their strategy.
Ocean Infinity is ready to deploy its high-tech fleet, currently positioned in Southeast Asia. Three specialized vessels – the Armada 7804 and 7806 in Singapore, and the 7808 in the South China Sea – are poised to begin work in the area.
The vessels can dive to depths of 6,500 feet, with the 7806 reportedly conducting preliminary trials.
The company now awaits the go-ahead from the Malaysian government.
