KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has agreed to resume the search for the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, ending a decade-long mystery. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the decision on 20 December 2024, promising that it would provide closure for the families affected.
Background of the Disappearance
Flight MH370, a Boeing 777, vanished on 8 March 2014 while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members. It disappeared from radar less than an hour after takeoff, marking one of the most confounding cases in aviation history.
The Search Agreement
- New search area proposed based on expert analysis.
- Ocean Infinity tasked with the recovery effort.
- Contract set to span 18 months, with a potential reward of US$70 million for substantial wreckage findings.
Loke stated that the search will take place in the southern Indian Ocean, an area covering approximately 15,000 square kilometres. The contract is anticipated to be finalised by early 2025.
Family Reactions
Families of victims welcomed the announcement, with many expressing hope that this renewed effort would yield answers. Jiang Hui, whose mother was on the flight, highlighted the need for a more collaborative approach, suggesting a public reward system to encourage wider participation in the search.
Challenges and Historical Context
Despite previous searches by Malaysia, Australia, and China, efforts have been largely unsuccessful. Loke acknowledged the challenges, stating, “At this point, no one can provide guarantees.” He reassured that credible findings will be a requirement for payment to Ocean Infinity.
As investigations continue into the aircraft’s disappearance, families await closure on this lingering tragedy, hoping for answers after all these years.