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MH370 Deep-Sea Search to Restart Dec. 30 as Ocean Infinity Begins 55-Day Hunt

04:09 PM, 12/03/2025
MH370 Deep-Sea Search to Restart Dec. 30 as Ocean Infinity Begins 55-Day Hunt

Malaysia announced a restart of the deep-sea search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 on Dec. 30, with Ocean Infinity conducting intermittent searches over 55 days across a 15,000 km² area. Satellite data from 2014 suggested the Boeing 777 diverted south into the far southern Indian Ocean and likely crashed, with 239 people aboard. The operation is on a no-find, no-fee basis: Ocean Infinity would be paid $70 million only if wreckage is found. Previous multinational and private searches, including an Ocean Infinity effort in 2018, failed to locate the jet.

Malaysia's transport ministry announced that a renewed deep-sea search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 will begin on Dec. 30, raising hopes of finally locating the jet that vanished more than a decade ago.

The Boeing 777 disappeared from radar shortly after departing Kuala Lumpur on March 8, 2014, en route to Beijing with 239 people on board. Satellite analysis indicated the aircraft diverted from its planned route and traveled south into the far southern Indian Ocean, where investigators believe it likely crashed.

U.S.-based marine robotics firm Ocean Infinity will carry out intermittent seabed searches starting Dec. 30 for a combined total of 55 days in areas identified as having the highest probability of containing wreckage. The operation will focus on a new, targeted search area covering about 15,000 square kilometers (5,800 square miles).

Under a "no-find, no-fee" agreement, Ocean Infinity will receive $70 million only if wreckage is located. The ministry said the effort demonstrates Malaysia's continued commitment to providing closure for the families affected by the disaster.

The government described the restart as an effort to bring closure to the families who have waited years for answers.

Previous multinational and private searches, including an earlier Ocean Infinity effort in 2018, were unable to locate the aircraft. Some pieces of debris later washed ashore on the east African coast and on islands in the Indian Ocean, but no wreckage conclusively tied to the main fuselage has been found. The seabed operation was suspended in April because of poor weather.

Investigators say the new search will prioritize high-probability zones refined by past data and analysis, using modern autonomous search vehicles to sweep the ocean floor. Authorities emphasize that, despite the difficulties, renewed efforts are intended to provide answers and closure to families of the 239 people who were lost.

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MH370 Deep-Sea Search to Restart Dec. 30 as Ocean Infinity Begins 55-Day Hunt - CRBC News