The search for the missing plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and his pilot has been called off and “the chances of survival at this stage are extremely remote”, Guernsey harbourmaster, Capt David Barker has said.
In a update posted on Twitter by Guernsey police, Barker said the active search for the missing plane had ended.
He said: “My team have just met to review the search and rescue operation which has been under way 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 sq 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.”
Cardiff City striker Sala, 28, and pilot Dave Ibbotson, 59, have been missing since their plane disappeared from radar over the Channel as the footballer was being flown to Cardiff having been sold to the Welsh club by Nantes for £13m.
Barker added: “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."
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