Rescuers on Thursday called off the search for the plane carrying Cardiff City's new signing Emiliano Sala after it disappeared over the English Channel four days ago. Authorities said there was little chance that the Argentine player and the plane's pilot, David Ibbotson, have survived.
The search operation covered about 3,000 sqkm area over the Channel, but authorities have found no trace of the aircraft or those on board.
Sala, who was signed by Cardiff City for a reported fee of 17 million euros (USD 19.3 million) from French club Nantes last week, was flying to Cardiff when the plane he was on disappeared from radars around 20 kilometres from the island of Guernsey off the north coast of France.
Guernsey police, in a statement, said that they had to take the “difficult decision to end the search”. “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,” Geurnsey Harbour Master Captain David Barker said.
Cardiff City, meanwhile, has planned to pay tribute to Sala before their clash against Arsenal on Tuesday. The Premier League club said that the details will be announced in another day or two. The League also confirmed there would be a moment of silence during all matches next week.
Cardiff owner Vincent Tan said in a statement that everyone at the club would continue to pray for Sala, Ibbotson and their families.
A voice recording in which Sala expressed his concern about the light aircraft he was travelling in has emerged after the plane's disappearance.
Guernsey authorities further said that though the search operation has been called off, vessels and aircraft in the will be asked to keep a look out for any trace of the plane.
