Malaysia Explores Renewed Search for MH370 Plane as 10th Anniversary Nears

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 1:25 pm

As the 10th anniversary of the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 approaches, Malaysia is considering a renewed effort to search for the missing plane. The Boeing 777 vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, with 227 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on Sunday that the government is pushing for a renewed search and has invited US seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity to discuss its latest search proposal.

The initial investigation did not rule out the possibility of deliberate diversion, and debris, both confirmed and suspected to be from the aircraft, has been found along the coasts of Africa and on Indian Ocean islands. Malaysia previously engaged Ocean Infinity in 2018 for a search in the southern Indian Ocean, with a commitment to pay up to $70 million if the plane was found. The latest proposal from Ocean Infinity includes a “no find, no fee” option.

“The Malaysian government is committed to the search (for MH370), and the search must go on,” stated Minister Loke during a remembrance event. If the proposal is approved by Malaysia’s cabinet, discussions with Australia regarding cooperation in resuming the search will take place. The previous joint search effort by Malaysia, China, and Australia concluded in January 2017 after two years and $130.46 million spent. Relatives of the missing passengers welcome the new search effort but acknowledge the need for realistic expectations and cost considerations. Jiang Hui, a Chinese national whose mother was on MH370, urged Malaysia to communicate effectively with the families to avoid misunderstandings. Relatives have filed lawsuits seeking compensation, with a Beijing court beginning compensation hearings in November.