Emiliano Sala’s search: The search for the missing aircraft carrying Emiliano Sala is set to begin underwater.
It has been a week since Emiliano Sala’s plane lost signal over the Channel Islands.
At around 8:30 PM on Monday, Sala’s aircraft lost signal and the Guernsey Police began a rescue operation immediately. He was travelling from Nantes to Cardiff.
The French civil aviation authority later confirmed on Tuesday that the Argentinian footballer was on the aircraft. However, the aircraft was not found and the official search was called off on Thursday.
In a detailed statement, Guernsey police stated that the chances of survival at this stage were ‘remote.’
However, his family urged the authorities to continue the search. Later, they started a GoFundMe campaign to accumulate funds for a private rescue operation for the player.
The campaign met its goal within a day. And now, an underwater search is set to begin for the missing aircraft. A survey vessel has been hired to conduct the search.
“We have sourced and hired a survey vessel equipped with state of the art search equipment, which will be used to conduct an underwater search for the wreckage in the area of the last radar contact,” David Mearns from Bluewater Recoveries said.
“The survey vessel is currently being mobilised in Southampton, and subject to weather conditions, will be re-positioned to Guernsey on Thursday or Friday this week.
“Based on current weather predictions, we are hopeful that the underwater search will begin on the weekend, most probably on Sunday.”
Earlier, Fellow Argentine footballer and Manchester City’s striker Sergio Aguero put a message on his Twitter account, where he appealed to the Guernsey Police to keep searching for the missing duo.
Barcelona’s star Lionel Messialso put an emotional message for the missing Cardiff City footballer.
“As long as there’s a chance, a thread of hope, we ask that you please #DontStopLooking for Emiliano. All of my strength and support to his family and friends. #PrayForSala,” Messi wrote on his Instagram story.
Cardiff City’s owner, Vincent Tan, stated that the club is thankful for the support it had received following the breaking out of the story.
“The response from the football community has been truly touching and we place on record our sincere thanks to those who have sent messages of support.
“We also thank everyone involved with the search and rescue operation, and continue to pray for Emiliano, David Ibbotson and their families.”
