The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 on March 8, 2014, remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries. Despite years of extensive search efforts, no one knows exactly what happened to the plane. Recently, Ocean Infinity, a Texas-based company, proposed a new search plan using advanced technology. This initiative could finally bring closure to the families of the 239 people on board.

In this article, we’ll explore the key details about Flight MH370, the challenges of the previous search efforts, and the latest proposal from Ocean Infinity. We’ll also review various theories about what happened to the plane and the steps being taken to solve this mystery.

The Known Facts About Flight MH370

Flight MH370, a Boeing 777, vanished less than 40 minutes after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on its way to Beijing, China. The plane carried 239 people, including 227 passengers and 12 crew members. After losing contact with air traffic control, the plane was never seen again.

The Final Moments of Flight MH370

The last contact occurred just before the plane entered Vietnamese airspace. Only two minutes later, the plane’s transponder turned off, making it invisible to civilian radar. Military radar briefly detected the plane, suggesting it veered off course. After that, it disappeared from radar.

In the years following the disappearance, the search was massive and costly. Authorities from Malaysia, Australia, and China led the search, covering vast areas of the Indian Ocean. Despite spending millions, the wreckage remained elusive, with only a few pieces of debris washing up on distant beaches, including parts of the plane’s wing.

Challenges Faced During Initial Search Efforts

The search for MH370 faced many challenges, both technical and geographical. The plane’s last known position was far off the coast of Australia, in a remote part of the Indian Ocean.

Early Search Operations

The search began in 2014 and covered over 120,000 square kilometers. It involved submarines, planes, and ships, but yielded few results. By 2017, the search paused after investigators suggested that the plane likely ended up in the southern Indian Ocean. Still, the exact location remained unclear.

Technical Challenges

The search relied heavily on satellite data from Inmarsat, which helped narrow down the search area. However, the ocean floor in this region is complex and difficult to map, which made the search harder.

In 2018, Ocean Infinity, a marine exploration company, joined the search. They used advanced autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to scan the ocean floor. Despite scanning 112,000 square kilometers, they didn’t find the wreckage, and the search was called off.

Ocean Infinity’s New Proposal

In March 2024, Ocean Infinity proposed to continue the search for MH370. This time, they offered a “no find, no fee” model, meaning they will only receive payment if they find the plane. This approach has caught the attention of the Malaysian government, which is considering resuming the search.

The “No Find, No Fee” Model

Under this model, Ocean Infinity would only get paid if the plane is found. The company would earn $70 million if successful. If they don’t find the plane, they won’t be paid.

This payment structure makes the search more cost-effective for the Malaysian government. It’s a significant shift from traditional models, where companies received upfront payment regardless of the outcome.

Target Area for the New Search

Ocean Infinity plans to focus on a 15,000 square kilometer area in the southern Indian Ocean, which experts believe is the most likely location of MH370. The search area is based on the latest scientific data and analysis.

Ocean Infinity’s Advanced Technology

Ocean Infinity’s new search proposal relies on cutting-edge technology. The company uses advanced AUVs that can explore deeper parts of the ocean and provide high-quality imaging of the sea floor. These vehicles are equipped with sonar, cameras, and sensors to help detect wreckage.

How AUVs Will Help in the Search

AUVs are autonomous underwater robots that don’t require a direct connection to the surface. They can cover large areas of the ocean floor and gather data from depths of up to 6,000 meters. This makes them ideal for searching the deep waters of the Indian Ocean.

Advanced Sensors and Imaging

These AUVs have side-scan sonar and multi-beam echosounders, which create detailed maps of the ocean floor. They can detect objects hidden miles underwater. This technology increases the chances of finding the wreckage, even in previously searched areas.

Theories About the Disappearance of MH370

While the search continues, several theories about what happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 have surfaced. Some believe the plane was deliberately diverted, while others suggest a mechanical failure or hijacking.

A Deliberate Diversion?

One popular theory is that the plane was deliberately diverted. Military radar data shows that the plane made a sharp turn after losing contact. Some suggest that the pilot or someone else on board intentionally changed the plane’s course. However, there is no solid proof to support this.

Mechanical Failure or Other Theories?

Others believe a mechanical failure could have caused the crash. If the plane’s systems failed mid-flight, it might not have been able to communicate or maintain control. But this theory doesn’t explain why the plane continued flying for hours after losing contact.

What’s Next for the MH370 Search?

Ocean Infinity’s proposal offers new hope for solving the mystery of MH370. The Malaysian government has shown interest in resuming the search under this fresh approach, which uses improved technology and reduces financial risk.

The search will focus on a 15,000 square kilometer area using AUVs. Ocean Infinity’s “no find, no fee” model makes the proposal more affordable for the government and lowers financial risks.

Conclusion: A New Hope for Closure

The mystery of Flight MH370 continues to intrigue the world. Ocean Infinity’s renewed search proposal offers fresh hope that the truth about the plane’s disappearance will finally be uncovered. For the families of the 239 people on board, the prospect of finding the plane brings them closer to closure.

As we await further developments, the world remains focused on the search, hoping that answers will soon be found.

Key Takeaways:

Flight MH370 disappeared in 2014, and the search has been ongoing for years without definitive results.
Ocean Infinity, a marine exploration company, has proposed a new search using advanced technology.
The company is offering a no find, no fee deal, which makes the search more affordable for the Malaysian government.
AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) will be used to explore deep parts of the Indian Ocean.
The search continues, fueled by fresh data and the hope that the plane’s final resting place will soon be discovered.