Emiliano Sala plane divers find body inside ‘intact’ wreckage in Channel
EMILIANO Sala plane divers have today found a body inside the doomed flight’s wreckage in the English Channel.
Underwater video footage shows one body visible among the mangled metal, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said.
However, investigators have not yet confirmed if the body belongs to 28-year-old Sala or his Brit pilot, Dave Ibbotson, 59.
The downed Piper Malibu was located near Alderney after state-of-the-art side-sonar kit scoured the seabed.
Leading the search was shipwreck hunter David Mearns with his Morven vessel and the AAIB’s own ship.
A ROV robot was then sent down to the seabed to identify the remains, on Sunday morning.
WRECKAGE FOUND
The AAIB said: “Based on analysis of ROV video footage, the AAIB investigators on board the vessel concluded that the object is wreckage from the missing Piper Malibu aircraft, registration N264DB.
“The ROV carried out a further search of the area overnight but did not identify any additional pieces of wreckage.
“Tragically, in video footage from the ROV, one occupant is visible amidst the wreckage. The AAIB is now considering the next steps, in consultation with the families of the pilot, passenger and police.
Tragically, in video footage from the ROV, one occupant is visible amidst the wreckage.
AAIB spokesman
“The image shows the rear left side of the fuselage including part of the aircraft registration.
“We intend to publish an interim report within one month of the accident occurring.”
Sala’s loved ones were rocked by the news with his ex-girlfriend posting tributes on social media to the Argentine ace.
Berenice Schkair posted a picture of Sala on Instagram feed with the caption “#PrayforSala”.
DEVASTATED DAD
Meanwhile the striker’s dad broke down yesterday as he spoke to reporters near his home in Santa Fe, Argentina.
He told Cronica TV: “They told me that the days passed and there was no news of Emiliano or the plane.”
A second hunt for Sala’s missing plane was launched after his family and footie stars, including Lionel Messi, raised £325K to launch a private search.
Mr Mearns said last night: “A plane carrying Emiliano Sala and piloted by Dave Ibbotson, 59, has been located by my crew.
“The families have been informed.
“This is about the best result we could expect for the families, but is devastating news.”
The plane was carrying Cardiff City’s £15million record signing Sala, 28, to the Welsh capital from former club Nantes, in Western France, when it vanished on January 21.
Within a few hours search vessel FBV Morven picked up a signal and a remote-controlled submarine fitted with a camera was sent down to formally identify the wreckage.
On Wednesday, the AAIB said two seat cushions believed to be from the plane were found off Normandy.
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