Decade of mystery - The ongoing search for MH370 and quest for closure

A decade has passed since the enigma of the MH370 unfolded, gripping the world with the haunting mystery of its disappearance with 239 individuals on board during its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014.

Despite extensive search efforts across vast stretches of the Indian Ocean, the plane remains elusive, leaving investigators perplexed about its final destination and the reasons behind its deviation from the intended flight path.

On the 10th anniversary of this tragic incident, numerous international and regional news organisations have once again delved into the MH370 saga, reflecting on its enduring impact and the unanswered questions that persist.

The unforgettable last message of “Good Night, Malaysian Three Seven Zero” is a reminder of the tragic fate of the flight.

Bringing this particular line in its report, The Guardian emphasised the need for answers that are burning in the families of those who were operating the flight, as accusations and conspiracy swirl.

Despite efforts, closure remains out of reach for the families of the missing passengers and crew, according to The Guardian.

Seeking answers

For Naren, it is unfathomable to acknowledge that his wife, Chandrika, was one of the 239 passengers onboard the flight that never made it to its final destination.

“I worry that by not knowing what happened to the flight, we are collectively vulnerable to a recurrence.

“Every succeeding anniversary has been less about my personal loss and more about not yet having answers to what really happened to the flight,” The Guardian quoted Naren, from India, whose full name is KS Narendran.

CNN’s report, meanwhile, highlighted whether the world is any closer to finding the MH370.

Dubbed one of the modern era’s greatest mysteries, CNN sought out the answers by getting aviation experts to speak.

Yet many experts believe there is still a strong chance that the wreckage of the MH370 could be located, if someone looks hard enough and - crucially - coughs up the staggering amount of money that might be required to achieve that goal, the report said.

According to retired British Aerospace engineer Richard Godfrey, the significance of a technology known as Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) allows radio amateurs to track radio signal strength worldwide and detect anomalies caused by various interferences, including aircraft passing through.

Godfrey’s analysis of WSPR data suggests that the MH370 may be located between 3,000m and 4,000m below the Indian Ocean, approximately 1,500km off the coast of Perth, Australia.

“I certainly believe MH370 can be found,” Godfrey told CNN.

Sliver of hope

Amid many conspiracy theories over the years, there was a glimmer of hope with the recent announcement from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim saying his government is willing to re-open an investigation into the flight disappearance if there was a compelling case to do so.

This came after Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he would invite the United States-based sea exploration firm, Ocean Infinity, to brief him on its latest “no find, no fee” proposal.

With the latest development, ABC News quoted the firm’s chief executive officer Oliver Plunkett’s statement that underscored the commitment to finding the MH370 and providing closure for those affected by the aircraft's loss.

“Finding MH370 and bringing some resolution for all connected with the loss of the aircraft has been a constant in our minds since we left the southern Indian Ocean in 2018.

“Since then, we have focused on driving the transformation of operations at sea; innovating with technology and robotics to further advance our ocean search capabilities.

“This search is arguably the most challenging, and indeed pertinent one out there. We’ve been working with many experts, some outside of Ocean Infinity, to continue analysing the data in the hope of narrowing the search area down to one in which success becomes potentially achievable.”

The Guardian, in another report, said Australia echoed the announcement by the Malaysian government and offered support for the renewed search.

Regardless of the passage of time, Malaysians and global societies remain hopeful. The renewed investigation could deliver justice and closure for the lives lost and their grieving loved ones.

As we remember a decade of unanswered questions, let us continue to seek the truth and honour the memory of those who boarded the MH370, never to return.

- Bernama