Why did Gibson choose the east coast of Madagascar for his search?

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Gibson Selected the East Coast of Madagascar Based on Oceanographic Research and Favorable Conditions

Blaine Gibson chose the east coast of Madagascar for his search for MH370 debris because oceanographic research indicated it was a likely area for wreckage to wash ashore from various parts of the Indian Ocean. The recent passage of Cyclone Fantala also presented favourable conditions, suggesting debris could have been dislodged and carried towards the coast.
Oceanographic Indications for Debris Wash-Up

Gibson's decision to focus on the east coast of Madagascar, specifically Nosy Baraha island, was informed by research conducted with oceanographers David Griffin and Dr Chari Pattiaratchi. Their findings suggested that this region served as a potential convergence point for debris originating from a wide geographical area, encompassing both the equatorial and southern Indian Ocean. This scientific basis provided a logical starting point for his investigation.
Favorable Weather Conditions

The timing of Gibson's search was also influenced by meteorological factors. Cyclone Fantala had recently passed north of Madagascar. This weather event was significant because it had the potential to dislodge debris that might have been located in the central parts of the Indian Ocean. The passing of the cyclone created an opportune window, increasing the likelihood of newly accessible wreckage being transported towards the Madagascan coastline.
Discovery of Potential MH370 Debris

During his search on Riake beach on June 6, Gibson, accompanied by his guide Cyriak Tiana and a France 2 television crew, discovered several items. The first piece of debris was a light grey smooth panel, measuring 77cm by 50cm, with empty hi-lock pin holes. This resembled a previous find by Gibson on the Madagascar coast in February, which bore the stencil "No step." Subsequently, further north, a second piece, a smaller fibreglass composite panel with "FB" inscribed, was found. A third item, a plastic frame or case designed to wrap around a screen monitor typically found behind passenger seats in a Boeing 777-200 economy class section, was also recovered. Gibson noted that if confirmed, this third piece would suggest a forceful impact rather than a controlled ditching. Later, a fourth panel with six intact 10mm diameter hi-lock pins and the stencil "ON" was found, along with a fifth piece, a small fragment of plastic fibreglass composite. In addition to these five main pieces, Gibson collected 17 carry-on sized bags and parts of a laptop computer case, one of which bore the name "Mensa."
Analysis of Debris Condition

Gibson observed that most of the five main pieces of debris, with the exception of the monitor case, were devoid of barnacles. He surmised this indicated they had likely been washed ashore, returned to the sea, and washed ashore again multiple times. The presence or absence of marine growth, along with buoyancy tests, drift analyses, and studies of marine micro-organisms, are expected to provide clues regarding the crash site location and the trajectory followed by any wreckage. Furthermore, stress tests conducted by experts are anticipated to shed light on the aircraft's final moments and the nature of the impact. All recovered items have been handed over to the relevant authorities for thorough investigation.

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Why did Gibson choose the east coast of Madagascar for his search?

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