Police searching for a light aircraft missing over the Channel since last night have suspended operations after finding "floating objects" but "no sign of those on board."
Guernsey Police said if the occupants, including Cardiff City player Emiliano Sala, landed on the water, their chances of survival are slim.
In a statement, the force said: "During the course of the 15-hour search, which used multiple air and sea assets from the Channel Islands, UK and France, a number of floating objects have been seen in the water.
"We have been unable to confirm whether any of these are from the missing aircraft. We have found no signs of those on board. If they did land on the water, the chances of survival are at this stage, unfortunately, slim."
The search will resume at sunrise.
Earlier French police confirmed that Argentinian was on board the missing aircraft.
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During the course of the 15-hour search, which used multiple air and sea assets from the Channel Islands, UK and France, a number of floating objects have been seen in the water. We have been unable to confirm whether any of these are from the missing aircraft.
— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice) January 22, 2019
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We have found no signs of those on board. If they did land on the water, the chances of survival are at this stage, unfortunately, slim.
Two planes and a lifeboat are still searching.
A decision about an overnight search will be taken shortly
— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice) January 22, 2019
Air traffic control said the aircraft was travelling from Nantes in western France to Cardiff when it went missing.
Concerns were raised when the 28-year-old failed to respond to messages on social media, after reports he had been travelling to the UK on Monday.
The Argentinian made club history when he was bought for a record fee of €20.4m on a three-and-a-half year deal from Nantes at the weekend.
In one of his last social media posts, he shared a photo with his former teammates, writing "Ciao" and adding heart emojis.
La ultima â¤ï¸ ciao @FCNantes 👋ðŸ»ðŸ’›ðŸ’š pic.twitter.com/SV1dNHbYYH
— Emiliano Sala (@EmilianoSala1) January 21, 2019
He had played in France since 2012.
A statement from Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman released on Tuesday morning read: "We are very concerned by the latest news that a light aircraft lost contact over the Channel last night."
A lifeboat was launched at 8.50pm to scour an area for the Piper Malibu plane.
Two helicopters were also helping in the search.
In a statement Guernsey Police said: "Guernsey Coastguard received an alert at 20.23 from Jersey ATC, that a light aircraft had gone off their radar approximately 15 miles north of Guernsey, initiating a major search and rescue operation involving both St Peter Port and Alderney lifeboats. Air Search 1 and 2 HM Coastguard helicopters are also involved in the search.
"The PA 46 Malibu, a single turbine engine aircraft was on route from Nantes in France, to Cardiff in Wales, with two people on board when it was lost off radar as Jersey ATC was attempting to make contact.
"A search model was created on SARIS, based on the likely ditching position, and all search and rescue assets were tasked to the area.
"The search was terminated at 02.00, with all search and rescue assets being stood down, due to strengthening winds, worsening sea conditions and reducing visibility."
The police said the aircraft had departed Nantes at 7.15pm for Cardiff and was flying at 5000 feet.
They added the aircraft requested descent on passing Guernsey and Jersey air traffic control lost contact whilst the plane was at 2,300 feet.
Guernsey Police issued an update on Tuesday midday, saying: "So far over 1,000sq miles have been searched by a total of five aircraft and two lifeboats. It is being co-ordinated by the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre.
"There has been no trace of the aircraft.
"The search is continuing."
11.45am update
So far over 1,000sq miles have been searched by a total of five aircraft and two lifeboats. It is being co-ordinated by the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre.
There has been no trace of the aircraft.
The search is continuing.
— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice) January 22, 2019
