Malaysia to restart search for missing MH370 as families push for closure

Malaysia is to restart the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 from 30 December, more than a decade after the plane disappeared in one of the most mystifying tragedies in aviation history. The new mission comes after years of demands from families and investigators who argue that the world cannot move on without knowing what happened.

The Transport Ministry on Wednesday confirmed the decision, explaining the new mission reflected the government’s commitment to finally bringing closure to the families of the 239 people who were on board the Boeing 777 when it disappeared in 2014. Technically, the fresh operation began in March but later halted due to poor weather.

Ocean Infinity to lead 55-day “no find, no fee” search

Ocean Infinity, the US-based deep-sea exploration firm, will head the new 55-day search. Under the deal, the company will only receive payment — $70 million — if it finds the wreckage, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook has said.

This will be the third major search for MH370.

An initial multinational search of 60 ships and 50 aircraft from 26 countries later called off in 2017.

Previous efforts by Ocean Infinity also came up empty in 2018 after three months.

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A Decade Without Answers

Flight MH370 lost contact in less than an hour into its flight from Kuala Lumpur on 8 March 2014. Subsequent radar data confirmed that the aircraft had radically deviated from its route to Beijing before disappearing over the southern Indian Ocean. Despite extensive searches, only scattered debris that traced back to the aircraft was recovered

The mystery of its final moments has meant years of anguish for families and spawned a host of theories, from pilot involvement to hijacking.

A 2018 investigation suggested deliberate manipulation of the plane’s controls but stopped short of assigning blame, saying that the truth could only be known if the main wreckage is found. Families Still Waiting To relatives of passengers and crew, the resumed search offers a glimmer of hope after a decade of uncertainty. Many have long argued that stopping the hunt left crucial questions unanswered and justice incomplete. The world’s eyes will again turn toward the Indian Ocean-and to the possibility that one of aviation’s most enduring mysteries may finally be solved-as the new operation is set to start.

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