THE latest phase of the search operation for MH370 on the seabed of the Southern Indian Ocean has achieved significant survey coverage. Still, to date, no substantial findings or definitive results have been identified.
According to the MH370 Search Operation Progress Summary Report (6-15 January 2026) uploaded on the Facebook page of the MH370 Families Association, the search operation conducted aboard Fleet 8605 has covered a cumulative area of approximately 7,236.40 square kilometres as of 15 January 2026.
The report stated that search activities were conducted in the Southern Indian Ocean sector and used up to three Hugin Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), with the operation running almost uninterrupted between 6 and 14 January.
Weather conditions were favourable for the survey effort to continue until 14 January, before operations were suspended on 15 January due to bad weather. All three AUVs were successfully removed and brought aboard Fleet 8605, reported Bernama.
"The operation continues to progress in a phased and orderly manner within the designated search area, with further progress dependent on continued surveys and favourable operational conditions," the report said. Following the extended period, Fleet 8605 is scheduled to return to Fremantle for a crew change before continuing with further activities.
On April 3 last year, the Malaysian government signed an agreement with Ocean Infinity (United Kingdom) to resume the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.
MH370 disappeared on March 8, 2014 after taking off from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing, carrying 239 passengers and crew. – January 21, 2026
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