The individual who spearheaded Australia’s pursuit of MH370 is calling on the Australian government to back any fresh endeavors to locate the aircraft, which vanished a decade ago on Friday.
On Sunday, the Malaysian government announced that they are currently engaging in negotiations with the US-based marine technology company Ocean Infinity regarding a potential new search effort. The company has expressed their readiness and capability to resume the search and has formally submitted a proposal to the Malaysian government.
On March 8, 2014, a Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 took off from Kuala Lumpur, carrying 12 crew members and 227 passengers — including seven Australians — on its way to Beijing. After approximately 40 minutes, the aircraft disappeared from the radar and it is still unclear what happened to it.
Initially, the Malaysian government conducted a surface search in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca. However, satellite readings showed that the plane had reversed its direction and flew until it exhausted its fuel before crashing into the Indian Ocean between Western Australia and Antarctica.
From May 2014 to early 2017, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) led the search effort in the Indian Ocean, taking over for Australia.
Peter Foley, the leader of the search program run by the ATSB, stated that as time goes on, the likelihood of flight data recorders being helpful decreases. He hopes that the Australian government will provide assistance for a renewed attempt.
Foley stated that it has been six years.
“He stated that the location is near the seventh arc in the southern Indian Ocean, which is the area where the plane had its last satellite “handshakes”.”
“We simply require a different inquiry.”
Debris found on islands in the Indian Ocean and the African coast during the ATSB search allowed CSIRO’s drift modellers to narrow down potential locations for the crash.
In 2018, the Malaysian government hired Ocean Infinity to conduct a second search, with the condition of “no find, no fee”. This attempt yielded no results. Malaysia has maintained their stance that they will not initiate a new search unless there is substantial and reliable information.
Ocean Infinity’s CEO, Oliver Plunkett, expressed the company’s desire to continue the search and is optimistic about it potentially taking place this year.
We are still interested in resuming the search for MH370 and are actively working towards making it happen. According to a statement, we believe we are now able to continue the search for the missing aircraft MH370 and have put forward a proposal to the Malaysian government.
“We anticipate being able to resume the search shortly.”
Anthony Loke, the transport minister of Malaysia, stated that the country is dedicated to locating the plane and that expense is not a factor.
He stated that he will be meeting with Ocean Infinity executives to talk about a fresh undertaking.
He stated that we are currently waiting for them to offer appropriate dates and he looks forward to meeting with them in the near future.
The families of the victims have persistently demanded for further action to be taken.
On Sunday hundreds of relatives and supporters gathered near Kuala Lumpur to remember the missing and support calls for a fresh search.
Families from China have also reached out to the Malaysian authorities, urging them to reopen the investigation.
The location of the plane is not known, and the cause of its disappearance is also uncertain. There are suspicions surrounding one of the pilots, Zaharie Ahmad Shah, and the possibility of a deliberate act of mass murder and suicide. Some have theorized that the plane may have performed a controlled landing or sustained a long glide, which could suggest it travelled a greater distance and was still under the pilot’s control before crashing into the water.
The ATSB has rejected that belief, stating that the plane’s descent speed indicated it was in freefall and the pilot was not conscious.
Given the lack of responses, various theories have emerged. Professionals and non-professionals alike have continued to conduct their own investigations.
Richard Godfrey is a co-founder of the independent group, MH370 Independent Group, and has actively discredited numerous conspiracy theories.
He has been researching the global database for amateur radio wave interference, known as the weak signal propagation reporter network. He believes that by analyzing this data, along with satellite handshakes and drift modeling, he can pinpoint parts of the Indian Ocean that have not been thoroughly investigated.
He expressed his belief that the plane would be discovered within this year.
“I would rather witness governments take action instead of sitting idle,” he stated. “The passengers, aviation sector, and the families of MH370 are all seeking closure through answers.”
Foley expressed optimism that the aircraft would eventually be located, but it would only be possible with support from the Australian government.
He stated that unless we actively search for it, the aircraft will not be located.
The most recent search took place in 2018, which was six years ago. My heart goes out to the families of the 239 individuals who were on the plane and still have no closure. It is a devastating tragedy.
“We must make another attempt.”
Source: theguardian.com
