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Emiliano Sala: Grief grips family & friends over missing plane

The Argentine striker and a pilot are feared dead after their plane went missing over the English Channel

That concludes our blog coverage for day two of the search for Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson.

Sadly, hope is fading that either man will be found alive.

Новости СМИ2

Goal will keep you updated on this story as it develops further.

The Sun are reporting that Sala’s plane failed to take off from Nantes four times before succesfully departing on Monday night.

The Piper PA-46 Malibu aircraft later disappeared over the English Channel while en route to Cardiff.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery, who faced Sala while he was PSG’s manager, spoke out on the striker’s disappearance at his press conference on Wednesday.

“The first reaction is that it’s terrible. It’s terrible,” Emery said. “We are with his family and with also the supporters of Nantes and from Cardiff.

“If we have a small chance to find him alive, we are waiting for that news. But it’s terrible to know of this accident.”

Martín Molteni, a friend of Sala, spoke to the media on behalf of the family in Sala’s hometown of Progreso on Wednesday.

“We only have the information being released by the official media,” Molteni said.

“The search continues. We’re in constant communication with the Argentine embassy in France, the provincial government and Emiliano’s agent.

“We want to ask emphatically: The search must continue until the last consequence, and the necessary means have to be instrumented to make it so.

“All the efforts are in finding the plane. Then, an investigation must be done. Romina, Emiliano’s sister, travelled to England with her partner and a companion. She had official help to facilitate her entrance to the UK.”

Asked about the leaked audio sent by Sala to his friends, Molteni said: “That was private, it shouldn’t have leaked. We’re sorry that something like that happened.”

Guernsey Police have announced that after another daylong search, no trace of the missing plane has been found.

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5.10pm update

After an intensive search using multiple aircraft and one lifeboat over the last nine hours, we have found no trace of the missing plane.

With the light now fading, the search will shortly be suspended for the night.

— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice)
Twitter

2/2

A decision about whether to recommence will be taken early tomorrow morning.

There will be no further updates tonight

— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice)
Twitter

With daylight fading, the search will again be suspended. The police will make another decision tomorrow whether they will recommence the search.

Guernsey Police have confirmed the pilot of the missing aircraft is David Ibbotson.

16.55 update

Harbour Master Captain David Barker says: “I can confirm the name of the pilot is David Ibbotson.”

— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice)
Twitter

The Grimsby Telegraph have reported that Ibbotson is from Northern Lincolnshire in England’s north east, and was hired by Sala’s representatives to fly the player to Cardiff after he said his farewells to his former team-mates in Nantes.

Sala’s former club Nantes have announced that they will hold an open training session for up to 300 fans on Thursday.

La famille du FC Nantes est plus que jamais soudée dans cette épreuve.

La séance d’entrainement de demain sera ouverte au public (dans la limite de 300 personnes) avec un moment de partage et de communion, tous ensemble, à 16h00. https://t.co/keHRVnRxfX

— FC Nantes (@FCNantes)
Twitter

Fans will be able to leave notes, candles and flowers near a portrait of Sala.

Horacio Sala has spoken out about his son’s disappearance, and has admitted that hope is quickly fading.

“I don’t know what to think, hours go by and I can’t help thinking the worst,” Sala told Argentine TV station Channel 3 News.

“I last spoke with him on Sunday and he was very happy to go to a bigger club he liked. There are no words to explain what we are living.

“Above all, I want him to be found alive, but hope is disappearing. If they can’t find him, it is not looking good.”

Aviation expert Alastair Rosenschein has spoken to the Sun about the Piper Malibu’s safety record, which isn’t great.

He said: “It’s very surprising that they should ask to descend at night over water in a single engine aircraft.

“It’s already a fairly risky crossing to do in a single engine aircraft, especially in winter and definitely at night. There are icing problems too.

“It’s a strange thing to do though to go and fly over water with one engine at night in winter because if your engine goes you’re going in the water.

“When I looked it up it has had over 160 serious crashes that’s a fairly large number – 55 of them were fatal accidents.

“That’s a large number for an aircraft that does not have such a large production number.

“One can’t compare what we call general aviation or light aircraft flying with commercial flying which is extremely safe and accidents are very rare.”

Manchester City star Danilo posted an emotional message on Instagram regarding Sala.

Former Nantes star Alejandro Bedoya has spoken of his emotions over the last 36 hours.

“I have shivers. Nantes is a family. It’s a tragedy but I retain hope. Thinking of Emiliano and his family. All my heart is with you.”

J’ai de frissons. Le FC Nantes c’est un famille! C’est un tragédie mais je garde espoir. Un pense fort pour Emiliano, sa famille et tout mon coeur avec vous. https://t.co/oGcciO5BhK

— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17)
Twitter

It is unlikely that the plane carrying Emiliano Sala had a black box, which would have required flight data and cockpit audio.

The weight of these makes them unsuitable for light aircraft and there is no necessity for them to be carried.

According to the Daily Mirror, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority said the plane is “unlikely” to have been fitted with one.

However, legally it should have had an emergency transmitter, which is designed to help search operations like this.

Tributes here at Nantes training ground. Training cancelled today. Match tonight postponed. Fans in tears leaving tributes. I’m live @skynews & @SkySportsNews with more… pic.twitter.com/vrq57tuMVM

— Rebecca Williams (@RebeccaTVnews)
Twitter

Guernsey harbourmaster Captain David Baker, who is leading the Channel Islands search, has admitted that difficult sea conditions have hampered their efforts.

“Nobody in the joint control centre, including myself, wants to give up, we are determined to find the two men alive,” he said.

“Already we are seeing four and five metre waves out to the west of Alderney – which is in our search area – because of that we have been unable to put the lifeboat out to sea, so he’s on standby in the harbour.

“But we will run until we lose the light again today and re-assess at that point.”

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1.30pm update.

280sq. miles of our targeted search pattern using multiple aircraft from the Channel Islands, France and U.K. has been completed over the last five hours.

There is as yet no trace today of the missing aircraft.

— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice)
Twitter

2/2

The search is ongoing and a decision whether to continue will be taken later today.

Further information will be released as we have it.

— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice)
Twitter

Cardiff: Sala’s plans were not down to us

Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman says that Emiliano Sala made his own decision to travel back to Nantes via a private jet.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, he said: “I can say to you categorically that the plane had nothing to do with Cardiff City.

“We were not involved in booking the plane. In fact, we are trying to ascertain ourselves exactly what did happen. The club is looking into the matter and we want to find answers too.

“We spoke to the player and asked him if he wanted us to make arrangements for his flight which, quite frankly, would have been commercial.

“I can’t tell you who arranged the flight because I don’t know at this stage – but it certainly wasn’t Cardiff City.’

Jean-Louis Triaud, a former president of Bordeaux, has spoken about Sala to Sud Ouest, making clear just how much he thinks of the striker.

“He had a decent but complicated childhood,” Triaud said. “Life at the start was not too tender with him, but he was successful, and by the time he signed the beautiful contract that he deserved, the fairy tale was transformed into a nightmare. He had an iron will – it’s amazing to talk about it in the past – and a great mindset.

“He never complained of what he might have considered an injustice. Others would have been discouraged, he always hung on, fought, kept confidence. He never gives up, it’s his great quality.”

The mood remains sombre.

The BBC reports that the search team will continue looking until sunset then make a new plan if required.

Harbourmaster, David Barker, tells us they’re still determined to find the men alive. Current plan is to keep searching until sunset today when they will reevaluate.

— Rory O’Reilly (@roryoreiIly)
Twitter

According to Argentine journalist Jorge Moron, who is based in Paris, the French navy is helping the search.

“A French navy aircraft, Falcon 50, has been out today from a base near Lorient to assist in the search for the aircraft. This ship is specialised in maritime surveillance and has special radars capable of performing very precise searches.”

#EmilianoSala Un avión de la Marina francesa, Falcon 50, salió hoy de una base cercana a Lorient para ayudar en las tareas de búsqueda del avión. Esta nave está especializada en vigilancia marítima y cuenta con radares especiales capaces de realizar búsquedas muy precisas.

— Jorge Morón (@moronjorge)
Twitter

These are some of the tributes to Emiliano Sala at Cardiff City Stadium.

The Argentine never got the chance to play for his new club, but supporters had already taken him into their hearts. pic.twitter.com/hNfMClRSmc

— Rhys Thomas (@rhysthomasnews)
Twitter

The UK Air Accident Investigation Branch has posted a statement about the incident.

“AAIB investigation into the loss of aircraft N26DB

“On Monday night, a US-registered Poper PA-46-310P Malibu aircraft (registration N264DB) was lost from radar north of Guernsey. The aircrat was en route from Nantes, France to Cardiff, United Kingdom, with one pilot and one passenger on board.

“In accordance with international protocols, the AAIB is investigating the loss of the aircraft. Since Tuesday morning, we have been working closely with international authorities including the US National Transporation Safety Bord, the Bureau d’Enquetes & d’Analyses (BEA) in France and the Junta de Insetigacion de Accidentes de Aviacion Civil (JIACC) in Argentina.

“We will be gathering all the available evidence to conduct a thorough investigation. However, if the aircraft is not found it is likely to limit the scope of the investigation.”

Schkair also took to Twitter: “I know you are… somewhere. Investigate… Emiliano sala.”

Se que estás .. algún lugar. Investiguen .. Emiliano sala pic.twitter.com/PPQAquiZMw

— Berenice Schkair (@bereniceschkair)
Twitter

Model Berenice Schkair has taken to social media to write a heart-felt message to Sala.

“Investigate, do not stop searching for him, please!” she posted on Tuesday night.

“I cannot believe this crash or that they are suspending the search due to bad weather.

“I cannot believe they are suspending the search until tomorrow, that they are wasting time and do nothing… I feel powerless.

“I can’t stop thinking of you, that you are healthy and safe. Do dreams have an expiry date? In a second, your life can change… We are ephemeral dust in this universe.

“In a place where so many injustices happen, the thing I regret the most is not having told you everything that my heart feels.

“I don’t know how to express myself and that is something I think I will learn from now on.

“Those that know me know how my eyes shine when I speak about you. I was lucky to meet you.

“Everything changes, why do these things happen? Who do things like this have to happen to a fascinating, fighting man who is full of ambitions, is hardworking, a good person and dedicated to his work and his family? Why don’t dreams come true? Why?

“My heart is broken. I can not accept it. Stay strong as always, Emi.

“I feel fear, rage and powerless not to be able to do anything from here. I feel useless.

“Be strong as always, my fighter, Emi, I know that you are strong… We are waiting for you Emiliano.

“Search until you find him alive! Time keeps passing. Let’s wait until editing fake news and have respect for the family. I have faith!! And hope.”

Rescuer sends pessimistic message

John Fitzgerald, chief officer of Channel Islands Air Search, does not believe Sala will be found alive.

“Even the most fit person” would last only a few hours in the Channel at this time of year, he indicated to the BBC.

He said: “Sadly, I really don’t think, personally, there is any hope. At this time of year the conditions out there are pretty horrendous if you are actually in the water.”

11.30am update

There are currently three planes and one helicopter in the air.

We are also reviewing satellite imagery and mobile phone data to see if they can be of any assistance in the search.

So far today nothing spotted can be attributed to the missing plane.

— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice)
Twitter

St Catherine’s lifeboat station is investigating debris that has been washed up at Bouley Bay in Jersey, according to ITV News.

However, they cannot confirm that it is linked with the missing plane.

BREAKING NEWS: St Catherine’s lifeboat station is deploying a boat looking into reports of debris at Bouley Bay, in Jersey. They cannot confirm if this is linked with the missing plane with footballer Emiliano Sala on board. pic.twitter.com/o0QzjZCNGB

— ITV News Channel TV (@itvchanneltv)
Twitter

Emiliano Sala was “a golden boy, who gave everything for the team,” according to his former team-mate Paul Delecroix.

Delecroix, now a goalkeeper for Metz who dumped Thierry Henry’s Monaco out of the Coupe de France on Tuesday, played alongside Sala as he amassed an impressive goal haul for Niort in Ligue 2 during 2013-14.

“He scored 18 goals. I would remember that. Eighteen goals in 37 games,” Delecroix told reporters at Stade Louis II.

“We couldn’t have done much better really, as he’s one of the most prolific goalscorers for Niort in one season.

“A golden boy who gave everything for the team. A guy you want to love. It’s sad, I am sad.”

Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman says he would be “very surprised” if next week’s fixture against Arsenal is rearranged, despite the disappearance of the plane Emiliano Sala was travelling on.

The match is due to be played on January 29.

He told Good Morning Wales: “I would be very surprised if there’s any change to the schedule.”

He also explained how manager Neil Warnock is coping with the drama.

“Neil is human and he’s as affected as we all are,” he said.

“He’s in the same position as we all are, very upset. It has affected the club enormously. It’s a distressing time.”

“This was a big decision for this club and we were in the process of negotiating something which would have been a game-changer for the club.

Monaco and Metz players take a pause for thought ahead of their Coupe de France match at Stade Louis II.

Last night was hard for Nantes fans

Fabien Mercadal, head coach at Caen, has spoken of what Emiliano Sala meant to the club.

Fabien Mercadal, coach of Caen, is the latest Ligue 1 boss to react to the Emiliano Sala news pic.twitter.com/t4a5bGzvix

— Goal (@goal)
Twitter

Capt. David Barker who is leading the search operation says it’s likely the search will go on until darkness tonight.

A military jet from France has been called in to join the search. pic.twitter.com/uXs4tmPw81

— John Fernandez (@JohnFernandez1)
Twitter

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9.30am

We are searching based on four possibilities:

1. They have landed elsewhere but not made contact.
2. They landed on water, have been picked up by a passing ship but not made contact
3. They landed on water and made it into the life raft we know was on board

— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice)
Twitter

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4. The aircraft broke up on contact with the water, leaving them in the sea.

Our search area is prioritised on the life raft option.

More updates as information becomes available

— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice)
Twitter

The facts as we know them

Sala was travelling from Nantes to Cardiff when his plane disappeared from radar.
Former team-mate Diego Rolan has revealed that his friend text him to express his fear over the state of the plane.
Guernsey Police have resumed a search on Wednesday morning.
The chances of finding survivors are said to be slim.

For full details, click here for Goal’s latest news story…

Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd has expressed her sympathy at events.

Nicolas de Tavernost, the former owner of Bordeaux, has joined the line of those paying tribute to the forward.

“Terrible news, I remember a boy who was enormously likeable. All my love to his family and his friends. We pray for Emiliano,” he said.

Terrible nouvelle, je garde le souvenir d’un garçon éminemment sympathique. Toute mon affection à sa famille et ses amis. Nous prions pour Emiliano. pic.twitter.com/0WsHUVtYxH

— Nicolas de Tavernost (@ndetavernost)
Twitter

Argentine journalist Martin Arevalo has published what he claims is an audio recording of Diego Maradona’s thoughts on the unfolding drama.

“I hope the plane was at the wrong airport and we find him alive, that’s all,” he said.

“It’s terrible misfortune. When such things happen, I think of all the trips I made with a lot of people.”

French sports daily L’Equipe has paid tribute to Sala, with extensive coverage of the search and how highly he is thought of by his former colleagues.