Government officials in Malaysia have expressed willingness to consider resuming the search for Malaysian Airlines MH370 following an approach by a private company presenting potential new evidence indicating the whereabouts of the Boeing 777.
For the family of a Keller man who was aboard that flight, there is renewed hope.
A decade has passed since the plane vanished, marking one of the world’s most perplexing aviation mysteries: the fate of MH370.
Disappeared 10 years ago this Friday during its overnight journey from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers, including Philip Wood from Keller, the prospect of a new search for the Boeing 777 brings fresh optimism.
“This week of the year is actually when it hits me most,” expressed Philip’s brother, James Wood.
Austin-based Ocean Infinity, having conducted an initial search in 2018, has expressed interest in launching another search operation using autonomous drones to locate the plane and its passengers.
“I just don’t want it to be forgotten about, and I’m hopeful that something will come about with a new possible search,” Wood remarked.
Based on radar and satellite data, the plane reportedly made a mysterious u-turn, flew back over Malaysia, and eventually headed toward the southern Indian Ocean. Despite finding small plane fragments washed ashore, experts believe the main wreckage could be submerged miles underwater.
“The black box would be great to find, the data recorder, to find the main body of the aircraft,” added Wood.
Reflecting on the time spent with Philip at their parents’ Keller home before his departure for work overseas in March 2014, James expressed gratitude, knowing it would be their last gathering.
“We had no idea it would be the last time we’d all be together,” Wood recalled.
Their parents passed away in 2020 and 2022, never learning the truth about their son’s disappearance.
“They may have not known the answers while they’re here, but I think they know the answers now,” said Wood.
Like families of passengers in Malaysia, Wood’s family plans to light a candle for Philip on Friday, a poignant moment marked by renewed hope.
Ocean Infinity has indicated advancements in its technology and robotics, along with analysis of MH370’s flight data, aimed at narrowing down the potential crash zone for the new search effort.
