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The search for a missing light aircraft resumed this morning, after it vanished from radar systems without a trace last night.
A major search and rescue operation started at 20:23 on Monday 21 January when Guernsey Coastguard received an alert from Jersey Air Traffic Control that an aircraft had gone off radar 15 miles north of the island.
The search initially involved both Alderney and St Peter Port lifeboats, the Channel Islands Air Search, and two HM Coastguard helicopters.
The light aircraft - a PA 46 Malibu - a single turbine, was on route from Nantes in France, to Cardiff in Wales, with two people on board when it was lost off radar as Jersey ATC was attempting to make contact.
It is now reported one of the people on board was French footballer Emiliano Sala who signed for Cardiff at the weekend. Read more on that here.
Pictured: Emilano Sala is reported missing and was believed to have been on the light aircraft which disappeared off radar near Alderney last night.
The initial search was stood down at 02:00, due to strengthening winds, worsening sea conditions and reducing visibility. At that time no trace of the missing aircraft had been reported.
The search resumed at 08:00 today.
The aircraft departed Nantes at 19:15 for Cardiff. It was flying at 5,000 feet. The aircraft had asked to descend as it passed Guernsey with Jersey Air Traffic Control losing contact while it was flying at 2,300 feet.
The search continues...
Pictured top: Alderney and stock image of Piper PA-46 Malibu.
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