Search resumes for Malaysia Airlines flight 370 in Indian ocean

Thursday 01 January 2026 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Search resumes for Malaysia Airlines flight 370 in Indian ocean

A research vessel equipped with cutting-edge underwater robots has arrived in the Indian Ocean, reigniting the quest to solve one of aviation's greatest enigmas: the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. The Malaysian Transport Ministry confirmed the Armada 86 05 reached its designated search zone with two autonomous underwater vehicles, marking the most significant effort in years to locate the Boeing 777 that vanished with 239 people on board on March 8, 2014.

Ocean Infinity, a Texas-based marine robotics firm, leads the mission under a renewed "no-find, no-fee" deal with the Malaysian government, eligible for $70 million only if wreckage is found. The company previously searched unsuccessfully in 2018 but claims enhanced technology and refined data analysis this time. Over 55 days, the operation will scan 15,000 square kilometers of seabed using submersibles that dive to nearly 19,700 feet, equipped with side-scan sonar, ultrasound imaging, and magnetometers to create detailed 3D maps and detect buried metal objects.

The vessel prepared at the port of Fremantle in Western Australia before heading out. Oceanographer Charitha Pattiaratchi from the University of Western Australia, involved since 2014, told Radio National that Ocean Infinity has made a breakthrough with more efficient ships and superior sonar. "With the new technology and their search approach, there are very good chances they'll find it," he said, cautioning that even the Titanic took nearly a century to locate despite known coordinates.

The flight dropped off radar shortly after departing Kuala Lumpur for Beijing. The pilot's last words were "Good night, Malaysian Three Seven Zero" about 40 minutes into the flight, after which the transponder went silent. Satellite data later revealed the plane veered off course, flying south into the Indian Ocean's southern reaches, where experts believe it crashed. No explanation has emerged for the deviation.

A multinational search spanning 120,000 square kilometers and costing around $200 million ended in January 2017 without locating the main wreckage. Ocean Infinity briefly resumed in early 2025 in a new area but paused in April due to poor weather. Families of victims continue pressing for closure; Jiang Hui, whose 72-year-old mother was aboard, told AFP he seeks the plane, his loved one, and the truth. This month, a Beijing court ordered Malaysia Airlines to pay over $410,000 to eight Chinese families, with 23 cases pending.

Only presumed debris fragments have washed ashore along East Africa's coast and Indian Ocean islands, including a wing piece on Reunion Island in July 2015. Over 30 suspicious pieces were collected, but just three wing fragments were confirmed from MH370. No human remains have been recovered.