Police in the UK have called off a search for a missing plane that was carrying footballer Emiliano Sala.
In an update after 3pm this afternoon, Guernsey Police said it had taken the “difficult decision to end the search” noting that “the chances of survival at this stage are extremely remote.”
The Argentine striker was travelling in a light aircraft hat disappeared from radars over the English Channel on Monday night.
He was en route to Cardiff from Nantes in western France after completing his club record €20.4m move to the Premier League.
Tributes left outside Cardiff City Football Club after a plane with new signing Emiliano Sala on board went missing over the English Channel on Monday night, 23-01-2018. Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire/PA Images
Harbour Master David Barker said search teams from the Channel Islands, UK and France had covered an area of around 1,700 square miles without finding “any trace of the aircraft, the pilot or the passenger.”
“There has been over 24 hours of continuous searching, with 80 hours combined flying time across three planes and five helicopters,” he said.
“Two lifeboats have also been involved, as well as assistance from various passing ships and fishing boats.
“We reviewed all the information available to us, as well as knowing what emergency equipment was on board, and have taken the difficult decision to end the search.
“The chances of survival at this stage are extremely remote.”
Sala reportedly voiced fears about the safety of the plane in a WhatsApp audio message he sent to friends before it disappeared.
In the message, a voice is heard saying: "I am here in the plane that seems is about to fall to pieces. I'm scared."
Horacio Sala, father of Argentine soccer player Emiliano Sala, speaks during an interview outside his home in Progreso, Argentina, 22-01-2019. Image: Mauricio Garin/AP/Press Association Images
Harbour Master Barker said the 28-year-old’s next of kin have been informed that the search has been called off, adding “my thoughts go out to the family of the pilot and passenger at this most difficult of times.”
He thanked everyone involved in the search, which he said had seen “exemplary co-operation from all countries involved.”
“The final aircraft searching for the missing plane and those on board has now landed,” he said.
“Although we are no longer actively searching, the incident remains open and we will be broadcasting to all vessels and aircraft in the area to keep a look out for any trace of the aircraft.
“This will continue indefinitely.
“Unless there is a significant development, there will be no further updates.”
Sala was a firm fan favourite at Nantes – and the clubs supporters have held vigils for him outside their stadium in recent days.
His former teammates are due to travel to Cardiff later today.
