The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Search for footballer’s plane called off despite sister’s plea
Aircraft carrying new Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala disappeared over Channel
The sister of Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala has begged rescue workers to keep looking for his missing plane after the search was formally called off.
An emotional Romina Sala, speaking in Spanish, told reporters in Cardiff that she feels her brother and his pilot are still alive.
Ms Sala travelled to south Wales after a light aircraft carrying her brother and pilot Dave Ibbotson disappeared from radar on Monday night.
Guernsey’s harbour master, Captain David Barker, earlier confirmed the “difficult” decision to end the search, saying the chances of survival were “extremely remote”.
The single-turbine engine Piper PA-46 Malibu left Nantes for Cardiff at 7.15pm on Monday, and after requesting to descend, lost contact with Jersey air traffic control.
Premier League Cardiff City signed 28-year-old Sala for a club record £15 million to bolster their attack and he was due to start training on Tuesday.
Mr Barker acknowledged Sala’s family were “not content” with the decision to stop actively searching but said he was “absolutely confident” no more could have been done and that UK coastguard protocols were followed.
He said he hoped the families of the missing pair found some comfort in the incident remaining open, despite searches ceasing.
Rescue teams have scanned around 1,700 square miles and examined mobile phone data and satellite imagery but found no trace of the aircraft.
Three planes and five helicopters racked up 80 hours combined flying time looking for the plane, working alongside two lifeboats and other passing ships.