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IN a significant development marking the 11th anniversary of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370’s disappearance, US and Australian authorities have appointed accredited representatives to assist in the ongoing search efforts.
The search, led by UK-based exploration company Ocean Infinity, is part of a renewed push to uncover the final resting place of the ill-fated aircraft, which vanished on March 8, 2014, with 239 people on board.
The Transport Ministry expressed its commitment to continuing the search, emphasising the responsibility to pursue every credible lead.
The ongoing search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in a newly designated area of the southern Indian Ocean has gained critical technical support from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
In a statement issued by Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport (MOT), both organisations have appointed accredited representatives to provide expertise and assistance to the search mission, which began in February.
The private exploration company Ocean Infinity, based in the United States and the United Kingdom, is leading the mission. Ocean Infinity is using its support vessel, Armada 7806, to conduct the search over a 15,000 square kilometer area, located approximately 1,500 kilometers off the coast of Perth.
“The government appreciates the close cooperation and support from all parties involved in what is one of the most complex and challenging search efforts in aviation history,” the ministry stated in its release, marking the 11th anniversary of the MH370 tragedy.
This renewed search represents a critical step in the ongoing effort to find answers about the disappearance of the flight, which vanished on March 8, 2014, with 239 people aboard. The involvement of international agencies and advanced technological capabilities strengthens the hopes of finally uncovering the aircraft's final resting place.
"The government remains committed to resuming search efforts. It is our solemn duty to pursue every credible lead in the hope of uncovering MH370's final resting place and providing the families with the answers they deserve," the ministry stated.
This renewed search effort is based on a "no find, no fee" agreement with Ocean Infinity, which will cover a targeted area of 15,000 square kilometers in the southern Indian Ocean.
Last year, Malaysia accepted Ocean Infinity’s proposal to resume the search, significantly narrowing the search area compared to earlier, larger search efforts that covered 120,000 square kilometers.
Speaking to a local daily, Aviation expert Datuk Captain Nik Ahmad Huzlan Nik Hussain expressed optimism about the search’s success, citing Ocean Infinity’s expertise and advanced technology.
"Ocean Infinity has meticulously analysed data, including assumed coordinates where MH370 might have ended in the ocean. This has significantly reduced the search area to 15,000 square kilometres compared to the previous 120,000 square kilometres," he said.
Captain Huzlan also noted that the company’s significant investment in the mission reflects their confidence in a successful outcome. "Ocean Infinity would not have committed an initial investment of at least USD 10 million without a strong belief in a successful outcome," he added.
Despite years of extensive search efforts, the wreckage of MH370 has never been found.
The authorities’ renewed commitment to finding answers offers hope that the mystery of MH370’s disappearance may finally be resolved, bringing closure to the families of the 227 passengers and 12 crew members who perished in the tragedy.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), in a post on X said: “Today marks 11 years since the disappearance of MH370. As we pause to remember, our hearts go out to all the family and friends who continue to grieve this loss. Together, we honour their memories and hold them close in our thoughts.”– March 8, 2025