The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared in 2014, has resumed with Malaysian government approval, utilizing Ocean Infinity’s advanced technological capabilities in the southern Indian Ocean. The operation, involving multiple autonomous underwater vehicles and sophisticated sonar methods, is poised to be more thorough and efficient, despite challenging conditions. The search is anticipated to last 18 months, with financial incentives for successful recovery.
The renewed search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which vanished in 2014, is backed by advanced technology and support from the Malaysian government. Ocean Infinity, which had previously searched without success, re-approached with a revised strategy last December, securing approval to commence operations in the southern Indian Ocean, approximately 1,500 kilometers west of Perth. This expansive search area is akin in size to metropolitan Sydney.
Ocean Infinity specializes in offshore exploration and has demonstrated its success in locating underwater wreckage. The firm previously discovered a missing Argentinian submarine and a historic US Navy ship, showcasing its capabilities. The new search area was determined by experts utilizing refined analyses of satellite data and weather patterns, alongside debris findings from the Indian Ocean and African coast.
Utilizing the state-of-the-art offshore support vessel, Armada 7806, Ocean Infinity will deploy autonomous underwater vehicles designed by Kongsberg. These advanced vehicles can operate independently to depths of up to 6,000 meters for extended missions. Their sonar systems will allow for comprehensive underwater mapping and the detection of objects on the seabed, employing techniques like sidescan and multibeam sonar for enhanced image capture.
Equipped with various sonar technologies, the vessels will execute targeted missions once objects of interest are identified. The innovative deployment of multiple vehicles simultaneously will enhance the coverage area, ensuring an efficient survey of the designated region. The gathered data will be collated to create detailed maps, optimizing search effectiveness.
The search will face challenges due to harsh weather conditions and complex underwater terrains. Anticipated to last around 18 months, the operation is expected to yield the best results between January and April. Should wreckage be located, the Malaysian government has offered USD 70 million for successful identification. In the event of failure, compensation will be void, placing the investigation at an impasse once more.
In conclusion, the renewed search for MH370 leverages advanced robotics and data analytics to identify the missing aircraft. Ocean Infinity’s commitment, utilizing sophisticated sonar technologies and autonomous vehicles, aims to navigate the challenging conditions of the Indian Ocean. If successful, the operation could uncover critical information regarding the flight’s disappearance, although failure risks reverting to a status of uncertainty regarding the plane’s location.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
