The search for the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines MH370 plane has resumed more than 11 years after it vanished during its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. This renewed effort, led by the US- and UK-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity, aims to bring closure to the families who have been grieving since the aircraft took off on March 8, 2014, carrying 239 people and was never seen again.
On February 25, 2025, reports confirmed the arrival of Ocean Infinity’s state-of-the-art support vessel, the Armada 7806, at the new search site approximately 1,500 kilometers off the coast of Perth, Australia. Equipped with advanced technology and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the ship began detailed scans of the ocean floor soon after its arrival. The search will cover around 15,000 square kilometers over the course of six weeks, with emphasis placed on four identified hotspots where researchers suspect the aircraft wreckage might lie, according to reports from Australian media.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated, "They have convinced us they are ready," acknowledging Ocean Infinity's preparedness. This search marks a significant commitment from the Malaysian government to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean and potentially solve one of aviation’s greatest mysteries.
It is important to note the intense background surrounding previous searches for MH370. A joint operation involving Malaysia, China, and Australia was conducted over 120,000 square kilometers after the flight's disappearance. This extensive search effort, which spanned three years and ended in January 2017 without any substantial findings, was unprecedented at the time, making it the largest search operation in aviation history.
Ocean Infinity previously attempted to locate the aircraft wreckage back in 2018, focusing on a narrower area of about 25,000 square kilometers, but returned with no significant results. The new search will operate under the same "no find, no fee" principle; meaning the Malaysian government will not incur costs if the wreckage is not located. Ocean Infinity is seeking a US$70 million reward for its services, similar to their previous proposal.
Many families of those on board MH370, like Grace Nathan, who lost her mother, have expressed their relief at the resumption of the search. "We're very relieved and pleased the search is resuming once again after such a long hiatus," she shared with reporters. Anthony Loke welcomed the proactive approach of Ocean Infinity, emphasizing the urgency of providing closure for the victims’ relatives. "This is great news for all the victims’ next of kin," he added.
Researchers have had few tangible leads to work with when re-evaluated at this point. Despite intensive prior searches and various theories surrounding the plane's disappearance, only some pieces of wreckage have washed ashore on African coasts and islands, leading to continued uncertainty about MH370's fate. The last updated data indicated substantial deviations from the aircraft’s designated flight path shortly after takeoff, with indications it was still flying approximately six hours afterward, past the time it vanished from radar screens.
The challenges the search teams face include not only limited clues but also the difficult topography of the ocean floor, which could hinder the operation's effectiveness. Weather conditions will also play a key role, as officials aim to maximize the search window before unfavorable conditions arise.
Anthony Loke has confirmed the search could be the final effort to find the aircraft, stating, "They combined all the data and they felt confident the current search area is more credible." This search zone has been determined from satellite data collecting information from the plane's final communications.
The international community remains focused on this search, hopeful for breakthroughs to finally answer the questions surrounding MH370’s tragic loss. For the families of the passengers and crew members, the stakes have never been higher. Each day of search adds to the stories of hope entangled with despair, underscoring the timeless mystery of MH370. Advocates for these families and aviation experts alike await what might be the last effort to provide answers and possibly allow closure for those who have waited far too long.