Was Ballard actually turned away from the MH370 search?

The claim alone doesn’t establish that an offer was formally made or rejected. There’s a difference between expressing interest, proposing a specific search plan, and being asked to join an authorized operation. Without a dated account of the offer and the response, the reason is unknown.

Even if a proposal was declined, that wouldn’t by itself show that officials doubted Ballard’s ability. A search depends on more than an individual’s expertise: the proposed area, timing, ships and equipment, funding, and the operation’s coordination all matter. Those are possible considerations, not confirmed reasons in this case.

I’d look for the original statement and check who received the offer, when it was made, and what response was given. Until those details are available, “turned away” is stronger wording than the information here can support.