The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 resumes after over 11 years, with a new partnership between the Malaysian government and seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity. Utilizing advanced vessels and sonar technology, the renewed search aims to cover an area the size of Sydney. The operation is expected to last up to 18 months and will face challenging underwater conditions. If successful, Ocean Infinity will receive US$70 million for their efforts.
The Malaysian government has initiated a new search for the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, over 11 years after its disappearance, which claimed the lives of 239 individuals. The renewed effort, announced last year, follows an agreement with seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity, which previously conducted an unsuccessful search in 2018. The current operation utilizes advanced technology to explore a designated area approximately 1,500 kilometers west of Perth.
Ocean Infinity, known for its proficiency in underwater surveys, has developed a new proposal that has been approved by Malaysia. The new search area is approximately the size of metropolitan Sydney and has been identified through a collaborative analysis of satellite data, weather conditions, and debris locations. This area is strategically selected to maximize the chances of locating the missing aircraft.
The search will employ the Armada 7806, a sophisticated 78-meter offshore support vessel equipped with state-of-the-art autonomous underwater vehicles from Kongsberg. These vehicles can operate at depths of up to 6,000 meters for an extended duration, utilizing several sonar technologies for efficient mapping and object detection on the seafloor.
In particular, the sonar equipment includes sidescan, multibeam, and sub-bottom profiling sonar, which together facilitate detailed underwater exploration. These systems enhance the search capabilities by providing high-resolution images and geological data essential for identifying potential wreckage sites.
Ocean Infinity has significantly advanced its marine robotics and data analytics since its last search, allowing for the simultaneous deployment of multiple underwater vehicles. This development will enable a more thorough and efficient examination of the search area, generating comprehensive maps that aid in recovery efforts.
Operation conditions in the search region are predicted to be challenging, with potential weather impacts on the support vessel and complicated underwater terrain. The search operation is expected to last up to 18 months, primarily conducted from January to April when conditions are generally more favorable.
If successful, the Malaysian government will compensate Ocean Infinity with US$70 million. Essential next steps would include retrieving the aircraft’s black boxes, which are crucial for understanding the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Conversely, if the search fails, no payment will be rendered to the firm, and the investigation to locate MH370 will essentially return to an earlier stage.
In conclusion, the renewed search for MH370 marks a significant effort to locate the missing aircraft using advanced technology and expert collaboration. Ocean Infinity’s utilization of innovative underwater vehicles and sonar systems aims to improve the likelihood of finding the wreckage in a previously identified search area. However, the challenges of deep-sea conditions and the large search area may impact the search’s overall success, highlighting the complexities involved in this ongoing investigation.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
