The search for the Emiliano Sala and the pilot was called off yesterday, and the emotions were high at Nantes following the announcement.
The search for the missing aircraft carrying Cardiff City’s footballer Emiliano Sala and the pilot was officially called off yesterday.
Guernsey Police issued a statement to announce the end of the recovery operation, where they stated that the chances of survival are ‘extremely remote.’
The aircraft went off the radar at around 8:30 PM on Monday night and the rescue operation began immediately.
After the French civil aviation authority confirmed that Sala was in the missing aircraft, the rescuers began to consider the possibility of the duo reaching the life raft after the plane landed on water.
However, they are unable to find a trace of the aircraft, the player and the pilot.
The rescuers have also stated that while there will not be an active operation for recovery, the vessels and aircraft in the area will continue to be on the broadcast for any trace of the missing aircraft. ‘This will continue indefinitely,” the statement adds.
As the official statement was made, football fans and players alike came together to pay tribute to the duo.
Nantes, the French league club where Sala used to play prior to his transfer to Cardiff City, postponed their French Cup tie against Entente SSG following the incident.
The side did train on Thursday, where manager Vahid Halilhodzic and the players made an address.
Nantes players paid tribute to Emiliano Sala in an emotional first training session since a plane carrying the striker went missing near the Channel Islands. pic.twitter.com/GPtz08pigL
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 24, 2019
Striker Majeed Waris couldn’t hide his emotions and broke into tears, as fans joined the training session to pay tributes to their former footballer.
Whiles FC Nantes resumed training yesterday, Ghana striker Majeed Waris broke down in tears as a result of former striking partner Emiliano Sala who’s feared dead. Waris couldn’t continue training.
Sala wore #9 and Waris #10 in the @FCNantes attack. #EmilianoSala pic.twitter.com/CJur1lpEe0
— Saddick Adams Obama (@SaddickAdams) January 25, 2019
“It is not easy, if you want to stay with us today, we will continue to work,” the manager stated.
“We will stick together more than ever to get through this tough moment.
“Thank you, vive Nantes.”
The club also issued a reaction to Guernsey Police’s announcement, where it stated that the search should not be stopped.
FC Nantes has learnt that the search for the missing plane was called off.
This search mustn’t stop, @GuernseyPolice
The club and its supporters strongly ask for the search to find @EmilianoSala1 to go on, for his family and his near relatives. Together for Emi ! #PrayForSala pic.twitter.com/7C1PrMUV7R
— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) January 24, 2019
Cardiff City also issued a statement on the announcement:
At this time of immeasurable sadness, our thoughts are with the family and friends of both men on board, the fans of both @FCNantes, #CardiffCity, and their connections around the world.https://t.co/C47oWEhURw#CityAsOne
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) January 24, 2019
The Premier League clubs also issued tributes to Emiliano Sala and the pilot.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson this evening, and all those affected by Monday’s tragic accident, in particular our friends at @FCNantes and @CardiffCityFC.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 24, 2019
We are devastated to hear today’s developments. The thoughts of everyone at @SwansOfficial continue to be with the family and friends of Emiliano Sala, David Ibbotson and all at @CardiffCityFC and @FCNantes.
Football is a family and we stand united at this difficult time 💙🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/wLFnJhhppG
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) January 24, 2019
The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United go out to the family and friends of Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson, and all at @FCNantes and @CardiffCityFC following today’s tragic news.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 24, 2019
The thoughts of all of us at Palace are with the families and friends of those involved, and everyone connected to both Cardiff and Nantes, at this time. ❤️💙
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 24, 2019
