Police End Search For Emiliano Sala

By Joshua Walters

The Guernsey Police have ended the search for Emiliano Sala who has been missing since Monday night alongside a light plane he was flying in.

The decision comes after the search party failed to find the newly-signed Cardiff City player, the pilot or any clue of the aircraft after nearly three days of frantic efforts.

Sala, signed by the Wales club from Nantes with a record fee, was flying back to Wales, having returned to France to bid farewell to his family and former teammates following his switch to the Premier League club.

The search party has no far not had any clue on the player, who was the only passenger on the flight, and the plane, and Police have reduced the intensity of the search saying the survival of the victims hinge on hope. 

“The final aircraft searching for the missing plane and those on board has now landed,” says Guernsey Police on Twitter. 

“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 lookout for any trace of the aircraft. This will continue indefinitely.”

“My team have just met to review the search and rescue operation which has been underway since the plane disappeared on Monday night.”

“Despite the best efforts of air and search assets from the Channel Islands, UK and France, which has covered an area of approximately 1,700 square miles - with a significant amount of this searched more than once - and having examined mobile phone data and satellite imagery, we have been unable to find 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.”

“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.”

“Next of kin have been informed of this development, and my thoughts go out to the family of the pilot and passenger at this most difficult of times.”

“This has been a very thorough and extensive search, co-ordinated from the Guernsey-based Joint Emergency Services Control Centre and has seen exemplary co-operation from all countries involved, for which I would like to extend my personal thanks.”