What's Happening?
Ocean Infinity, a marine robotics company based in Austin, Texas, has embarked on a 55-day mission to locate the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. The flight disappeared in 2014 with 239 people on board, and its location remains one of aviation's
greatest mysteries. The company has struck a deal with the Malaysian government to use its underwater vehicles, deep-sea drones, and advanced scanning technology to search a 6,000-square-mile area of the Indian Ocean seabed. This mission follows a previous joint search by Australia, Malaysia, and China, which was the largest and most expensive in aviation history but concluded in 2017 with little success. Ocean Infinity's current mission operates under a 'no-find, no-fee' contract, meaning they will only receive payment if the wreckage is found.
Why It's Important?
The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has significant implications for aviation safety and the families of the victims. Finding the wreckage could provide crucial insights into what happened to the flight, potentially leading to improvements in aviation technology and safety protocols. For the families of the 239 passengers and crew, many of whom are still involved in legal battles with Malaysia Airlines, discovering the wreckage could bring closure and aid in ongoing lawsuits. Additionally, the mission highlights the capabilities of modern marine robotics and the potential for technology to solve longstanding mysteries.
What's Next?
If Ocean Infinity successfully locates the wreckage, it will receive a $70 million payment. The discovery could lead to renewed investigations into the cause of the disappearance and potentially influence future aviation safety measures. The outcome of this mission may also impact ongoing legal proceedings involving the victims' families, who have been seeking compensation and answers for over a decade. The mission's progress and results will be closely monitored by international aviation authorities and the public.
