A renewed deep-sea search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has concluded without locating the wreckage, marking another setback in one of aviation’s greatest mysteries. The Boeing 777 disappeared on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Beijing, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members.
Malaysia’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau confirmed that 28 days of searching, covering approximately 2,900 square miles (7,500 sq km) of the Indian Ocean, yielded no significant findings. The search was conducted by Ocean Infinity, a marine robotics firm, under a “no find, no fee” agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Ocean Infinity would have been paid $70 million (£52 million) only upon the successful discovery of the aircraft wreckage.
The unsuccessful outcome has prompted renewed calls from families of those on board for the search to continue. Voice370, a group representing the families, has urged the Malaysian government to extend its contract with Ocean Infinity. They argue that a simple extension of the current agreement, without altering its core terms, would allow the search to proceed without interruption.
The search, which unfolded in two phases, faced periodic disruptions due to adverse weather conditions and challenging sea states, ultimately concluding on January 23, 2024. However, campaigners express concern that a potential third phase may not commence before June, coinciding with the onset of the winter season in the southern hemisphere.
Voice370 also suggested that other exploration companies should be given the opportunity to participate in the search under the same “no find, no fee” arrangement. The group emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the investigation, given the enduring pain and uncertainty experienced by the families.
Malaysian officials have stated their commitment to keeping the families informed and providing updates as appropriate. However, no timeline for a potential future search has been announced.
A 2018 report by Malaysian investigators was unable to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the fate of MH370, but did not rule out the possibility that the aircraft had been deliberately diverted from its intended course. The disappearance remains a source of intense speculation and grief, with families continuing to seek answers after twelve years.
