The latest phase of the Malaysia Airlines MH370 seabed search in the Southern Indian Ocean has made substantial survey progress, though no significant discoveries or conclusive findings have been reported so far.
Search operations conducted aboard the Armada 8605 vessel covered a cumulative area of approximately 7,236.40 sq km as of Jan 15, 2026, according to the MH370 Search Operation Summary Progress Report (6 Jan–15 Jan 2026), which was posted on the MH370 Families Facebook page.
The report stated that the search activities took place within the Southern Indian Ocean sector of the 7th arc, using up to three Hugin Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Surveying continued largely uninterrupted from Jan 6 to Jan 14.
Weather conditions remained favourable for sustained operations until Jan 14, but activities were halted on Jan 15 due to poor weather, with all three AUVs safely recovered.
“The operation continues to progress methodically within the defined search area, with further outcomes dependent on continued surveying and favourable operational conditions,” the report added.
Following this extended phase, Armada 8605 is scheduled to return to Fremantle for a crew change before resuming search activities.
On April 3 last year, the Malaysian government signed an agreement with Ocean Infinity (UK) to resume the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines aircraft.
The aircraft disappeared on March 8, 2014, after departing from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing, carrying 239 passengers and crew members.
