The quest for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in Southern Indian Ocean: As its stands

MALAYSIA’S Transport Ministry confirmed that the vessel Armada 86 05 had reached the designated search zone carrying two autonomous underwater vehicles, though it did not disclose the precise location.

AP reported today that the ship had prepared for the mission at Fremantle Port in Western Australia. While the government did not explicitly name Ocean Infinity, the Texas-based marine robotics company widely reported to be leading the operation is believed to operate the specified craft.

Earlier in December, Malaysia announced that Ocean Infinity would conduct a renewed seabed search under a “no-find, no-fee” agreement.

The company confirmed it was resuming operations but declined to comment further, citing the “important and sensitive nature” of the mission.

Ocean Infinity previously conducted a search in 2018 under a similar contract, which yielded no trace of the aircraft.

The firm has since upgraded its technology and refined its analysis. Chief Executive Officer Oliver Plunkett stated last year that the company had consulted multiple experts and identified what it considers the most probable crash site.

Earlier this year, Ocean Infinity briefly resumed operations in a new 15,000-square-kilometre area of the southern Indian Ocean, but adverse weather forced a suspension in April.

Flight MH370 disappeared from radar shortly after departing Kuala Lumpur for Beijing on 8 March 2014. Satellite tracking indicated that the aircraft deviated from its planned route and headed south toward the remote southern Indian Ocean, where investigators believe it ultimately crashed.

The reason for the course change remains unknown.

A prolonged and costly multinational search failed to locate the main wreckage, though fragments believed to be from the aircraft were later discovered along the East African coast and on Indian Ocean islands.

No bodies or substantial debris have ever been recovered, leaving the fate of the passengers and crew a continuing source of anguish for families and investigators alike. - January 1, 2026