The search for the plane carrying Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala has been called off for the day, Guernsey Police have confirmed.
The Piper Malibu N264DB plane that Sala and pilot David Ibbotson were travelling in went missing on Monday evening and rescuers have been working ever since to try and locate the aircraft.
Channel Islands Air Search announced on Wednesday afternoon that they are now conducting a recovery rather than a rescue operation, with hopes of finding the two men alive appearing slim.
After confirming on Wednesday evening that the search for the day had been concluded, Guernsey Police went into more detail regarding the extent of their efforts.
“After an intensive search using multiple aircraft and one lifeboat over the last nine hours, we have found no trace of the missing plane,” a police statement read. “With the light now fading, the search will shortly be suspended for the night.
No further updates are expected until Thursday, with the police admitting they are yet to decide whether they will recommence the search.
“A decision about whether to recommence will be taken early tomorrow [Thursday] morning,” the statement added. “There will be no further updates tonight.”
Plenty of tributes have been paid to Sala since Monday’s incident, including from Tottenham boss Maurucio Pochettino, who spoke about his fellow Argentine ahead of Spurs Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea on Thursday.
Pochettino said: “I want to send all my love and positive energy to his family. Also for Argentina, Nantes, the family in France and of course Cardiff. My wish and my hope is to wait for some good news.”
