Voice370 calls for an extension to the “No Find, No Fee” deal with Ocean Infinity to allow the search for missing flight MH370 to continue

KUALA LUMPUR: The next-of-kin support group Voice370 has urged the Malaysian government to extend its search agreement with deep-sea exploration firm Ocean Infinity.

In a statement, the group representing families of those on board missing flight MH370 expressed gratitude for the government’s “No Find, No Fee” deal signed in January last year.

“We were grateful to the Malaysian government for accepting this offer, and to OI for its willingness to undertake such an arduous mission without certainty of reward,” the statement said.

The Transport Ministry informed families that Ocean Infinity has covered approximately 7,571 square kilometres of its planned core search area under the current contract.

A further 7,500 square kilometres were surveyed prior to the formal signing of the contract, with no significant discoveries made before the vessel had to redeploy.

Voice370 noted that although the contract runs until June, it appears unlikely Ocean Infinity can return soon to complete the remaining search areas due to approaching winter.

“This is a ‘No Find, No Fee’ search. The government pays nothing unless the aircraft is found,” the group stated.

It argued any request by Ocean Infinity to extend the search contract should therefore be granted without hesitation.

The group suggested a simple addendum extending the contract period without altering the core terms would allow the search to continue without delay.

Voice370 also paid tribute to Jacquita Gonzales, a dedicated member who passed away last April, describing her as a tireless advocate.

Flight MH370 disappeared while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014.

The group vowed to never give up the fight for answers, remembering the 239 passengers and crew whose absence is felt every day.

 The Sun Malaysia