Emiliano Sala: Body visible in wreckage of plane, AAIB reports

The first image of the plane that was carrying footballer Emiliano Sala. (AAIB/PA)
The first image of the plane that was carrying footballer Emiliano Sala. (AAIB/PA)
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A body is visible in underwater footage of the plane that was carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) announced Monday.

The plane carrying Sala, along with pilot David Ibbotson, was discovered in the English Channel on Sunday having disappeared on January 21.

Sala was traveling from Nantes, France to Wales to join up with Premier League team Cardiff City, who had just made the striker their record signing.

READ MORE: Father of Sala ‘desperate’ after plane wreckage found

READ MORE: Cardiff pay tribute to Sala in emotional win

A map showing where the wreckage of the plane carrying Emiliano Sala was found. (PA)
A map showing where the wreckage of the plane carrying Emiliano Sala was found. (PA)

“Having identified a priority search area last week, the AAIB agreed a search strategy with Blue Water Recoveries Ltd to maximise the chance of locating the aircraft wreckage,” read an AAIB statement.

“The AAIB commissioned specialist vessel Geo Ocean III and Blue Water Recoveries Ltd commissioned FPV Morven and the search area was divided between the vessels. Both vessels began their search on the morning of Sunday 3 February.

“Early in the search, the Morven identified an object of interest on the seabed using its side-scan sonar equipment. It cleared the immediate area for the Geo Ocean III to use its underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to survey the area of the seabed in which the object was located. 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 and passenger, and the police.

“The image shows the rear left side of the fuselage including part of the aircraft registration.”

Sala’s father Horacio spoke with local broadcaster Cronica TV after the wreckage of the plane was discovered.

“I cannot believe it. This is a dream. A bad dream. I am desperate,” he said.

“I communicated with them every day, but since I do not have WhatsApp it’s hard to call them or call me.

“They told me that the days passed and there was no news of Emiliano or the plane.”

Sala had joined Cardiff from Nantes in a deal worth a reported £15 million.

On an emotionally-charged night in South Wales, Cardiff beat Bournemouth 2-0 on Saturday in their first home match since Sala’s disappearance.

The team’s manager Neil Warnock was visibly moved before and after the match and he was full of praise for his players.

“The best,” Warnock replied when asked about the two performances since Sala’s disappearance.

“I can’t be more proud. If we didn’t get another point this year, I’d still think the players have been amazing.

“I look around the dressing room, the characters and where they’ve come from, and know I couldn’t ask any more of any of them.”