The Malaysian government has authorized a fresh search for the missing flight MH370, employing high-tech tools from Ocean Infinity. The search area is as large as Sydney and utilizes advanced underwater vehicles with multiple sonar systems. Expected challenges include weather conditions and underwater terrain complexity. Success in locating the wreckage would result in a $70 million payment, while failure entails no costs.
In a renewed effort to locate the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which vanished in 2014, the Malaysian government has approved a new search initiative. The seabed exploration firm, Ocean Infinity, which previously conducted a search in 2018, will be utilizing advanced technology and methodologies to survey the southern Indian Ocean. This comes after a decade-long hiatus since the tragedy that led to the loss of 239 lives.
The designated search area encompasses roughly the same size as metropolitan Sydney and has been established based on extensive analyses of satellite data, debris sightings, and weather patterns post-disappearance. Ocean Infinity, now equipped with new tools, aims to enhance its chances of recovering the aircraft’s remains.
Equipped with a state-of-the-art offshore support vessel, the Armada 7806, Ocean Infinity will deploy autonomous underwater vehicles proficient in operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters. These vehicles utilize cutting-edge sonar systems, including systems for sidescan, synthetic aperture, and multibeam sonar, to effectively map underwater terrain and identify possible debris.
Significant advancements in Ocean Infinity’s marine robotics since their last search enable them to deploy multiple vehicles simultaneously, covering a larger area efficiently. Acoustic technologies will provide a comprehensive mapping of the seabed, and once targets are detected, close imagery will be obtained to ascertain potential wreckage.
Adverse conditions, both above and below the sea, are anticipated throughout the search, which could take up to 18 months. The optimal time for operations is between January and April due to more favorable weather patterns. Should the search prove successful, the Malaysian government has allocated a reward of $70 million for locating the wreckage, with subsequent efforts focused on retrieving the black boxes to uncover vital data regarding the incident. If unsuccessful, Ocean Infinity will incur no costs, leading the investigation back to its initial state.
The new search for MH370, armed with advanced technology and methodologies, reflects Malaysia’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind the tragic incident. With significant investments and strategic planning, Ocean Infinity seeks to locate the aircraft’s wreckage, presenting an opportunity for potential closure for the families of victims. Nevertheless, challenges persist due to difficult environmental conditions and the inherent risks of deep-sea operations.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
