Search for missing Flight MH370 resumes

Texas-based marine survey company Ocean Infinity has resumed the search for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.

MH370 disappeared over the southern Indian Ocean in March 2014 while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The initial search of the ocean floor was suspended after no trace of the plane was found on the ocean floor.

Ocean Infinity chartered Norwegian multipurpose offshore construction vessel Seabed Constructor, which left South Africa bound for a search area off the coast of Perth, Australia.

The seabed exploration company had offered to look for the missing Boeing 777 aircraft on a no-find, no-fee basis. If it successfully locates the wreckage, Ocean Infinity will receive AU$90 million (US$70.4 million).

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Ocean Infinity will be searching a 25,000-square-kilometre area just north of the original search location, covering 1200 square kilometres a day.

It’s believed up to eight autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) will be used in the search at depths of up to 6,000 metres.

Built in 2014 by Kleven Verft, the 115.4-metre LOA Seabed Constructor has a 1,300-square-metre deck area and a service speed of 12.5 knots. The 7,888-tonne vessel has a 346 square-metre cargo hold.  

The Norwegian ship is due to arrive in Perth on February 7.

The Malaysian Government has notified the families of the 239 people aboard MH370 about the search.