A renewed search for the elusive MH370 passenger plane is set to commence today in the Indian Ocean, over ten years since its mysterious disappearance. The UK-based company Ocean Infinity has entered into a “no find, no fee” agreement with the Malaysian government to investigate approximately 15,000 square kilometres of ocean, located about 1,500 kilometres from Perth’s coastline.
This latest search initiative is more targeted than previous efforts, which spanned around 200,000 square kilometres. Ocean Infinity’s search vessel, the Armada, will focus on four specific hotspots that are thought to be more promising for discovery.
The operation, however, faces significant challenges due to the complex terrain of the ocean floor, which includes deep underwater cliffs and volcanic structures. Additionally, the presence of Cyclone Bianca off the Western Australian coast has led to rough sea conditions that will complicate the search.
Compounding the difficulties is the uncertainty surrounding the jurisdiction of any wreckage that may be recovered, along with the protocols for analysing vital black box data. This information will be essential to unraveling the mystery of the aircraft’s final moments.
MH370 vanished on March 8, 2014, with 239 individuals onboard, including six Australians. Since its disappearance, there have been numerous unsuccessful search efforts, leaving many questions unanswered about the fate of those aboard.