Priceless answers

Regardless of the cost, it's crucial to solve the mystery of what exactly happened on that fateful flight

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National Editorial

After 63 days, and with no sign of any credible evidence, the countries involved in the search for Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared on March 8 with 239 passengers and crew aboard, have decided to launch a wider and deeper probe of the Indian Ocean.

Amid a sea of questions, only one thing is certain: the new search is about to become much more expensive. To date, the search has involved 26 countries contributing expertise, planes, ships, submarines and other equipment to the effort. Australia, which has led the search, has spent $44 million (Dh161m), more than half of the total costs incurred. The new phase is expected to cost a further $60 million, but who will bear these expenses?

Although there is no hard and fast requirement for other countries to contribute towards the search, there is considerable moral and international pressure for the burden to be shared and answers to be found. No amount of money will lessen the pain of relatives grieving the loss of those on-board MH370. Yet resolution remains vital, to solve the riddle of what exactly happened on that fateful flight and to bring the terrible uncertainty to a close.