MX23RW : Monday, January 28 14:13:46

Rescue workers call off search for missing plane carrying Cardiff footballer

Rescue workers call off search for missing plane carrying Cardiff footballer
© Reuters
The chances that striker Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson have survived are 'extremely remote'.

Rescue workers have called off their search for the missing plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala, Guernsey's harbour master has said.

Captain David Barker said on Wednesday that the chances Sala and his pilot David Ibbotson had survived were "extremely remote".

The aircraft has been missing since it disappeared from radar over the English Channel on Monday night.

After scanning thousands of square miles and reviewing all "information available" the "difficult decision to end the search" was taken, Captain Barker said.

"The chances of survival at this stage are extremely remote," he added.

"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."

Rescue teams scanned around 1,700 square miles and examined mobile phone data and satellite imagery but had not found "any trace" of the plane, Captain Barker said.

There has been more than 24 hours of continuous searching, with 80 hours combined flying time across three planes and five helicopters.

Two lifeboats were also involved and help was provided by passing ships and fishing boats.

Captain Barker added: "The final aircraft searching for the missing plane and those on board has now landed.

"Although we are no longer actively searching, the incident remains open and we will be broadcasting to all vessels and aircraft in the area to keep a look out for any trace of the aircraft.

"This will continue indefinitely."


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Emiliano Sala in action for Nantes in late 2017
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool23193154134160
2Manchester CityMan City23182362174556
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs23170648232551
4Chelsea23145440192147
5Arsenal23135548321644
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd23135546331344
7Watford239683232033
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves239592731-432
9Leicester CityLeicester2394102929031
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham2394103034-431
11Everton238693433130
12Bournemouth2393113342-930
13Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2375112532-726
14Crystal Palace2364132332-922
15Southampton2357112540-1522
16Burnley2364132343-2022
17Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2356121931-1221
18Cardiff CityCardiff2354141944-2519
19Fulham2335152151-3014
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2325161340-2711

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