MH370 Search Update: An offshore support vessel, operated by Ocean Infinity has stopped transmitting its public tracking signal in the mid-Atlantic, prompting speculation it may be conducting seabed testing near the crash site of Air France Flight 447.
Tracking data shows the vessel Armada 8601 ceased broadcasting its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal at approximately 0840 UTC on 1 March while en route from Cape Verde toward Brazil. Other ships in the vicinity continued transmitting normally, suggesting the signal loss was unlikely to be caused by satellite coverage issues.
Ocean Infinity has not publicly commented on the vessel’s status.
The last recorded position of Armada 8601 was roughly 200 nautical miles from the confirmed wreck site of Air France Flight 447, which crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in June 2009. The debris field lies at a depth of about 4,000 metres and spans approximately 800 metres by 300 metres.
The known dimensions and depth of the AF447 site make it a potential calibration area for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), particularly for companies conducting deep-ocean search operations.
Ocean Infinity specializes in marine robotics and has deployed fleets of AUVs capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 metres. Industry observers note that testing in a confirmed debris field could provide valuable data on detection and identification of wreckage in conditions similar to those found in the southern Indian Ocean.
The development comes amid renewed attention on the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished in March 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
Ocean Infinity previously led a privately funded search for the aircraft in 2018 and has continued refining its deep-sea search capabilities. Several vessels from the company’s “Armada 86” series are currently deployed globally.
Armada 8606 is positioned closest to the southern Indian Ocean search area, with analysts estimating it could reach the region within approximately 12 days after refuelling and resupply. Another vessel, Armada 8605, is currently operating in the Pacific near American Samoa, conducting deep-water testing. Armada 8604 has recently been reported off South Africa, heading toward Las Palmas.
If Armada 8601 is engaged in testing near the AF447 site, it would mark the third Armada vessel in recent weeks undertaking calibration or seabed survey operations.
Long-range forecasts indicate a potentially favourable weather window in the southern Indian Ocean from mid-March to mid-April. However, meteorologists caution that forecasts beyond three to five days become progressively less reliable.
Historically, conditions in the region tend to stabilise through April and May, offering improved operational opportunities for deep-sea search missions.
While the AIS silence of Armada 8601 has prompted conjecture, maritime experts note that vessels may temporarily disable public tracking signals for operational or commercial reasons, including oil and gas survey work off Brazil’s northern coast.
Until the vessel reappears on AIS or Ocean Infinity provides clarification, its precise mission remains unconfirmed.
Families of MH370 victims have yet to receive formal updates regarding any renewed search operations.
Ocean Infinity has previously stated its commitment to leveraging advanced robotics and endurance operations in pursuit of deep-ocean discovery. Whether Armada 8601’s current movements form part of those preparations remains to be seen.
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