MH370 Search Resumes with Advanced Technology and Strategies

The Malaysian government has resumed the search for MH370, approving Ocean Infinity’s proposal after ten years. The operation involves high-tech vessels and advanced sonar technology to explore a designated area in the Indian Ocean. The search is expected to last 18 months amidst challenging conditions, and finding MH370 would lead to further investigations regarding its disappearance.

The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has resumed over a decade after its disappearance, which claimed the lives of 239 individuals. The Malaysian government has approved a renewed effort, based on a proposal from Ocean Infinity, a seabed exploration firm. This decision follows an unsuccessful search in 2018 and was made after extensive analysis of data related to the aircraft’s last known position and potential debris locations.

The renewed search area, roughly equivalent to the size of metropolitan Sydney, was delineated based on a refined understanding of collected data, including satellite imagery and information on debris washing ashore in the Indian Ocean. Ocean Infinity is utilizing advanced technology, including a newly constructed 78-meter offshore support vessel named Armada 7806, which was built in 2023 to facilitate this mission.

Equipped with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) from Kongsberg, the Armada 7806 will perform surveys at depths reaching up to 6,000 meters. The AUVs will employ sophisticated sonar technologies, such as sidescan and synthetic aperture sonar, to create high-resolution maps of the seafloor. These technologies enhance the chances of locating MH370’s wreckage by providing essential data for search operations.

During the operation, the AUVs will utilize camera systems to confirm possible underwater targets, completing missions closer to the seafloor only after initial sonar detections. Ocean Infinity’s technical capabilities have significantly advanced since 2018, allowing for the concurrent deployment of multiple vehicles to cover larger areas efficiently.

Despite advancements, the search will face challenging conditions both above and below the water surface, complicating operations due to unpredictable weather and difficult seafloor terrain. The expected duration of the search is up to 18 months, with optimal weather from January to April. Should Ocean Infinity successfully locate the wreckage, they are contracted to receive $70 million from the Malaysian government, which would facilitate further investigation including the retrieval of black boxes.

In summary, the renewed search for MH370, led by Ocean Infinity with its advanced marine technology, signifies a determined effort to uncover the aircraft’s fate after more than a decade. The search area is strategically chosen based on refined data analysis, and the deployment of autonomous vehicles equipped with sophisticated sonar systems will enhance the likelihood of locating the wreckage. However, operational challenges remain, and the outcome remains uncertain until the completion of the search efforts.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com