DBasia.news – Three days have gone since the Pier Malibu plane of Cardiff City player Emiliano Sala disappeared with the pilot, David Ibbotson. The search has been intensified since then.
As we know, the Pier Malibu was disappeared on Monday night at the Channel Islands, between Great Britain and France. The plane brought Sala and Ibbotson from Nantes to Cardiff.
The weather and extreme sea situation make the search difficult. Consequently, after three days search with the available resources, the rescue team led by David Barker decided to end the search.
“My team have just met to review the search and rescue operation which has been underway since the plane disappeared on Monday night,” said Guernsey Police, cited from Sky Sports.
“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 square 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.”
“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. The chances of survival at this stage are extremely remote. My thoughts go out to the family of the pilot and passenger at this most difficult of times,” the statement added.
Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan also thanked the team for their hard work.
“Monday evening’s news shook everyone at Cardiff City to the core. We were looking forward to providing Emiliano with the next step in his life and career. Those who met Emiliano described a good-natured and humble young man who was eager to impress in the Premier League,” Tan added.
“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.”
Even though the search has been ended, Sala’s sister Romina hopes it would continue. She believes Sala is in the Channel Islands, considering that he is a tough fighter.
“My message is please, please, please don’t stop with the search,” Romina added.
“Deep down in the bottom of my heart I know that Emiliano – who is a fighter – is still alive. I know Emiliano and the pilot are somewhere in the middle of the Channel. We are not going to give up.”
Cardiff signed Sala worth £18M and broke the club transfer’s record. Not too long after his plane disappearance, the support and condolence flooded from football fans across Europe. The same thing happened from fans, Cardiff, and Nantes players.