New search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 approved more than a decade after disappearance

Fox News - Mar 20th, 2025
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Malaysia's government has approved a new search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the plane that mysteriously vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board. The search will be conducted by Texas-based Ocean Infinity under a 'no-find, no fee' agreement, meaning the company will receive $70 million only if it discovers the wreckage. This search will cover a new 5,800-square-mile site in the southern Indian Ocean, renewing hopes of finding closure for the families of the missing passengers. Transport Minister Anthony Loke expressed the government's commitment to resolving this long-standing aviation mystery.

The disappearance of MH370 remains one of the most perplexing cases in aviation history, sparking various theories and extensive multinational search efforts over the years. Previous searches, including a private one by Ocean Infinity in 2018, have so far been unsuccessful. However, Ocean Infinity has reportedly improved its technology, increasing optimism for this new attempt. The search's timing is based on optimal weather conditions from January to April, and relatives of the missing passengers continue to emphasize the importance of understanding what happened to prevent future tragedies.

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RATING

8.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The news story about the renewed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is a well-researched and accurate piece that effectively communicates the latest developments in this ongoing mystery. It provides a balanced view by incorporating statements from various stakeholders, including the Malaysian government and the search company Ocean Infinity, while maintaining a neutral tone throughout. The article is timely and of significant public interest, as it addresses a topic that has captivated global attention for years. It is well-structured and written in clear, accessible language, making it easy for readers to understand the complex issues involved. However, the story could benefit from more detailed explanations of the search methodologies and the inclusion of additional expert perspectives to enhance its depth and engagement. Overall, the article successfully informs readers about the latest efforts to find MH370 and the broader implications for aviation safety.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The news story presents accurate information concerning the renewed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. It correctly states that Malaysia's government has approved a new search led by Ocean Infinity, with a 'no-find, no-fee' contract. The claim about the search area being 5,800 square miles and the potential $70 million payment is consistent with official statements. The story accurately recounts the previous unsuccessful searches and the debris findings on the east African coast. However, while it mentions improved technology by Ocean Infinity, it lacks specific details on these advancements, which would enhance the story's precision.

8
Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective by presenting information from multiple stakeholders, including the Malaysian government, Ocean Infinity, and Voice370, a group representing the families of the passengers. It provides a fair representation of the facts without showing favoritism towards any party. However, the article could benefit from additional viewpoints, such as aviation experts or independent analysts, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the search's implications and challenges.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, straightforward language, making it easy to follow. It logically presents the information, beginning with the announcement of the new search and providing relevant background details about the disappearance of MH370. The tone is neutral and factual, which aids in comprehension. The inclusion of direct quotes and historical context enhances the story's clarity.

8
Source quality

The story relies on credible sources, including statements from Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Ocean Infinity, as well as contributions from Fox News correspondents and the Associated Press. These sources are authoritative and relevant to the topic. However, the article could improve by incorporating more diverse sources, such as independent aviation experts or researchers, to enhance its depth and reliability.

7
Transparency

The article provides a reasonable level of transparency by citing its sources and attributing statements to specific individuals or organizations. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodologies or technologies involved in the new search, which would help readers better understand the basis of the claims. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_for_Malaysia_Airlines_Flight_370
  2. https://www.ksl.com/article/51279100/malaysia-approves-a-new-search-for-mh370-more-than-a-decade-after-the-plane-disappeared
  3. https://www.mh370search.com
  4. https://www.foxnews.com/world/malaysia-agrees-resume-no-find-no-fee-hunt-flight-mh370-10-years-plane-disappeared
  5. https://www.foxnews.com/world/malaysia-announces-renewed-push-find-mh370-decade-disappearance-search