The enigma of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, missing since March 2014, is potentially closer to being solved as a new £55 million search launches using sophisticated underwater robots.
According to the US Sun, A new search initiative has been launched to locate the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 with the aid of underwater robotics technology and funded by a unique contractual agreement.
Flight MH370 disappeared on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, carrying 239 people. This initiated the largest search operation in aviation history, yet the aircraft's fate remains one of the biggest mysteries in modern aviation.
Ocean Infinity, a marine robotics company, spearheaded the new search initiative, submitting their proposal to the Malaysian government in June. The operation will employ autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and sophisticated hydrophones to scan a 15,000 square kilometer area off the coast of Western Australia.
This location is proximal to where the aircraft last communicated with satellite systems, suggesting a potential resting area for the jet's remains. Simon Maskell, a professor, has advised using Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) technology to further refine the search parameters.
If successful, Ocean Infinity will be rewarded with a £55 million payout by the Malaysian government, a deal structured as "no-find-no-fee," highlighting the risk-laden nature of this endeavor.
The disappearance of MH370 led to numerous conspiracy theories and widespread speculation on the aircraft’s final moments, which included an unexpected U-turn and presumed crash into the Southern Indian Ocean. The implications of these theories have fueled ongoing research and analysis.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke underscored the importance of this mission to the families of the missing, stating, "Our responsibility and obligation and commitment is to the next of kin. We hope this time will be positive, that the wreckage will be found and give closure to the families."
He further elaborated on the government's decision to accept Ocean Infinity’s proposal under the no-find-no-fee principle during a press conference, emphasizing a commitment to resolve this enduring mystery.
The segment of the Indian Ocean previously searched by Ocean Infinity in January 2018 did not turn up MH370, although their efforts did help locate the Argentine submarine San Juan, showcasing their technological capabilities. Their involvement in high-profile searches, such as for Ernest Shackleton’s ship and the Stellar Daisy vessel, indicates significant expertise in deep-sea recoveries.
Commenting on the ongoing search efforts, aviation journalist Jeff Wise noted the difficulty in seabed searches which have hitherto failed to locate the aircraft. He posed critical questions about the assumptions underlying previous searches, including the quick dismissal of a potential cyberattack as the cause of the plane’s diversion.
Despite these challenges, the commitment to continue the search reflects a broader hope among aviation experts and the public to ultimately uncover the fate of MH370. Wise remarked, "It implies that someone has come up with either new information or a new analysis to focus on a particular area. If they do launch the search, and it fails again, it will be high time for search officials to start grappling with this history of failure."
The long-lasting impact of MH370's disappearance on the families of those aboard has been profound. These families have persistently advocated for the continuation of the search, seeking answers and closure to a nearly decade-long ordeal.
The new technology and approach being used by Ocean Infinity represent a beacon of hope for these families. The success of this operation could potentially bring the long-awaited answers to the questions that have haunted them since 2014.
As the search progresses, the world watches eagerly, hoping that this latest effort will finally bring to light the secrets of MH370, ending years of uncertainty and sorrow for the families and friends of the vanished passengers and crew.
