Nearly a decade since the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the country’s intention to renew the search for the missing Boeing 777. The aircraft, which was carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members, vanished on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, leaving behind one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history.
In a remembrance event held on Sunday, Loke revealed that the Malaysian government had extended an invitation to U.S. seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity to discuss a new search proposal. This comes after two previous unsuccessful attempts by the firm to locate the aircraft in the southern Indian Ocean, under a “no find, no fee” arrangement that promised up to $70 million in rewards if the plane was found.
The disappearance of MH370 has sparked widespread speculation and investigation, with some debris confirmed and believed to be from the aircraft washing up along the African coast and Indian Ocean islands. Despite extensive efforts, including a joint A$200 million ($130.46 million) underwater search by Malaysia, China, and Australia that ended in January 2017 without any findings, the plane’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Loke expressed Malaysia’s commitment to continuing the search, stating, “The Malaysian government is committed to the search (for MH370) and the search must go on.” He also mentioned that discussions with Australia about cooperation in the resumed search would take place once Ocean Infinity’s latest proposal receives approval from Malaysia’s cabinet.
Family members of those onboard MH370 have welcomed the proposal for a renewed search. V.P.R. Nathan, whose wife Anne Daisy was onboard the flight, highlighted the importance of realistic expectations regarding search funding. Meanwhile, Jiang Hui, who lost his mother on MH370, emphasized the need for transparent communication with relatives to prevent misunderstandings.
The call for a renewed search also coincides with ongoing compensation hearings. A Beijing court began hearings in November, with more than 150 Chinese passengers’ families seeking compensation from entities including Malaysia Airlines, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and the Allianz insurance group.
As the 10th anniversary of the tragic disappearance of MH370 approaches, the renewed efforts to solve this enduring mystery underscore the global aviation community’s commitment to uncovering the truth, providing closure to the families, and enhancing flight safety standards worldwide.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, hindustantimes.com
