The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 remains one of the greatest aviation mysteries in history. Over the years, the lack of definitive answers has birthed a surreal subculture of internet theories. Some of the most persistent—and controversial—visuals circulating online involve “underwater wreckage” photos that appear remarkably intact, despite the high-impact nature of a mid-ocean crash.

Accompanying these images are often claims of extraterrestrial involvement. Theoretical graphics depicting “Grey” aliens standing behind a ghost-like silhouette of a Boeing 777 have become staples of conspiracy forums. To families of the 239 people on board, these digital fabrications are often viewed as insensitive, yet they continue to proliferate, fueled by a collective human need to fill the void of the unknown with something—anything—other than silence.

Oceanographers and aviation experts maintain that the physical evidence, such as the flaperon found on Réunion Island, points to a structural breakup. They argue that an intact fuselage sitting on the seabed, as seen in some viral “leak” photos, is a scientific impossibility given the depths and pressures involved. These experts suggest that such images are either CGI or photos of artificial reefs created from decommissioned planes.

As search technology advances with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the hope for a real discovery remains. The mission of groups like Ocean Infinity is to find the black boxes, not to chase phantom lights or alien portals. Until the final resting place is found, however, the digital age will continue to bridge the gap between tragic reality and science fiction.