The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has resumed, led by Ocean Infinity with advanced technology. The search area is roughly the size of Sydney, utilizing the state-of-the-art Armada 7806 vessel and autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with sophisticated sonar systems. The operation could take up to 18 months, with a reward for success being $70 million from Malaysia. Difficult conditions are expected above and below the surface.
The Malaysian government has authorized a renewed search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, over a decade after the plane’s disappearance. This new effort, spearheaded by seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity, follows an unsuccessful search in 2018. Utilizing advanced technology, the search relocated to the southern Indian Ocean, approximately 1,500 kilometers west of Perth.
The search area spans roughly the size of metropolitan Sydney and was determined based on refined analyses, including satellite data and the origins of debris found along the African coast. Ocean Infinity has a history of locating underwater wreckage, having previously discovered a missing submarine and a WWII ship.
The company will employ the newly constructed 78-meter offshore support vessel, Armada 7806. This vessel integrates state-of-the-art autonomous underwater vehicles designed for deep-sea exploration up to 6,000 meters, allowing for extended missions lasting up to 100 hours. Equipped with advanced sonar technologies, these vehicles will map the seafloor and search for wreckage using various sonar methods.
The search will utilize multiple sonar systems, including sidescan sonar for high-resolution imagery, synthetic aperture sonar for detailed imaging, and multibeam sonar for mapping topography. Upon detecting potential targets, camera systems onboard the vehicles will collect imagery to confirm findings before closer explorations are conducted.
Ocean Infinity has upgraded its robotics and data analytics since the last search, enabling the deployment of several vehicles simultaneously, thereby enhancing the efficiency of searching the designated area. collected data will be processed to create comprehensive maps of the seafloor.
Difficult weather conditions at the surface and challenging underwater terrain are expected to complicate operations, projected to last around 18 months. The most favorable weather for these activities is likely between January and April. Successful identification of the wreckage would result in a $70 million remuneration from the Malaysian government and initiate efforts to retrieve the aircraft’s black boxes. If the search fails, Ocean Infinity will not receive compensation, and the investigation will return to its initial state.
The renewed search for MH370 highlights significant advancements in marine search technology and operational capacity. Utilizing sophisticated sonar and autonomous underwater vehicles, Ocean Infinity aims to efficiently explore the vast underwater area identified as the potential crash site. The endeavor not only reflects Malaysia’s commitment to resolving the mystery but also emphasizes the technological innovations available for deep-sea explorations. If successful, it may provide closure to the families impacted by the tragedy.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
