Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed that the renewed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is underway.
British marine robotics firm Ocean Infinity has initiated what is likely the final attempt to locate the missing aircraft, despite not yet finalising a contract with the Malaysian government.
“We have granted principal approval for the search to resume, but the contract details are still being finalised,” Loke said during a press conference on Tuesday (Feb 25) after launching an e-licensing platform for aviation personnel.
He welcomed Ocean Infinity’s proactive efforts, describing the development as “great news” for the families of the victims. The company has assured the Transport Ministry that it will use data from previous searches to improve the likelihood of success.
Loke emphasised that the search would not continue indefinitely, with a set timeframe to be determined once the contract is signed.
Reports indicate that Ocean Infinity’s deep-water support vessel, Armada 7806, has already reached a new search zone in the Indian Ocean, approximately 1,200 miles off Perth, Australia. The vessel began deploying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) within hours of arrival and has commenced detailed scans of the ocean floor.
This renewed search follows the Cabinet’s approval in December to accept proposals to restart efforts to locate MH370, which disappeared in March 2014 with 239 people on board.