KUALA LUMPUR – The government has approved in principle a proposal by British marine robotics company Ocean Infinity to resume the search for the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean.
The decision was made during the Cabinet meeting on December 13, 2024.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that Ocean Infinity plans to focus on a new area covering approximately 15,000 square kilometres.
The search will operate under a “no find, no fee” arrangement, ensuring that Malaysia will not bear any costs if the wreckage is not located.
The proposed area for the renewed search is based on the latest data and analysis conducted by experts and researchers.
According to the ministry, Ocean Infinity’s proposal is credible and warrants careful consideration, as Malaysia remains committed to finding closure for the families of the 239 individuals who were aboard MH370.
“This decision underscores the government’s dedication to continuing the search and providing resolution to the families of the passengers and crew,” Loke said.
Negotiations on the terms and conditions of the agreement with Ocean Infinity are ongoing and are expected to be finalised by early 2025.
Earlier this year, Loke announced that Ocean Infinity had submitted a proposal to resume the search for MH370, which vanished on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The aircraft’s disappearance remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries.
The Association for Families of the Passengers and Crew on Board MH370 revealed in May that the company had provided the ministry with a proposal incorporating the latest evidence. Among other aspects, it included a no-find, no-fee basis for the operation.
Ocean Infinity had previously been involved in the search for MH370 and used advanced marine robotics to scan the seabed for traces of the aircraft. – December 20, 2024