Malaysia calls off search for missing flight MH370, calls disappearance an accident

World Today

A man views a fleet of Malaysia Airline planes on the tarmac of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, in Malaysia, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. Photo: AP

Malaysia civil aviation are now calling the disappearance of Flight MH370 an accident, in order to clear the way for compensation claims to begin.

From a statement by the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman:

“After 327 days and based on all available data as well as circumstances mentioned earlier, survivability in the defined area is highly unlikely. It is therefore with the heaviest heart and deepest sorrow that on behalf of the government of Malaysia we officially declare Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 an accident in accordance with the standards of annexes 12 and 13 to the Chicago Convention and that all 239 of the passengers and crew onboard MH370 are presumed to have lost their lives.”

“The government of Malaysia acknowledged that the declaration of MH370 as an accident would be very difficult for the families and loved ones of the 227 passengers and 12 crew on board to consider, much less accept. Thirteen nations have also lost sons and daughters to this tragedy. It is none the less important that families try to resume normal life or as normal a life as may be possible after this sudden loss.”

“Without in any way intending to diminish the feelings of the families, it is hoped that this declaration will enable the families to obtain the assistance they need, in particular through the compensation process.”

“The government of Malaysia also assures the families of the passengers and crew that the search for MH370 remains a priority. The government of Malaysia is committed to continue all reasonable efforts to bring closure to this unfortunate tragedy with the continuing cooperation and assistance of the governments of China and Australia.”

This story is compiled with information from The Associated Press.