'Shipwreck Hunter' launches search for missing footballer's plane

Monday 28 January 2019

The family of missing footballer Emiliano Sala have arrived in Guernsey to re-launch the search for his missing plane.

His mother and sister landed in Guernsey yesterday, and have enlisted the help of self-styled 'shipwreck hunter' and marine scientist David Mearns, to try and find the Piper Malibu aircraft which went missing a week ago tonight near the Casquets lighthouse, with Sala and his pilot David Ibbotson, on board.

He had gone back to the French city so he could say goodbye to his friends before getting on board the Piper Malibu, piloted by Ibbotson, to make the cross Channel flight to Wales to begin training with his new team the following day.

Above: an aircraft of the same type as the one which has disappeared. 

The single engined plane took off, reportedly after up to four failed attempts, at 19:30 on Monday night before making contact with Air Traffic Control in Jersey at 20:30 to request to descend to a lower altitude, when it then disappeared off radar.

Fortunately, the Channel Islands Air Search team had just finished a regular training session when the call came in that a plane with two passengers needed help so the volunteers were in the air and flying over the Casquets within 30 minutes. Alderney lifeboat had launched by 20:50 and Guernsey's by 21:00.

They were joined by other planes, helicopters and boats in the search which eventually lasted three days despite cold temperatures and bad weather at times, before Guernsey's Harbourmaster announced on Thursday afternoon that the search had found nothing of note, and that it would be stood down permanently. 

Among those not happy with that decision are the family of Emiliano Sala. His sister, Romina Sala told reporters at a press conference in Cardiff that the search had been called off too soon and should be relaunched.

A few of us were able to speak to Romina Sala, Emiliano Sala’s sister, at a hotel in Cardiff. She pleaded with authorities not to stop searching for her brother, who she believes is still alive. She and family now plan travelling to the search site. pic.twitter.com/8Ls07O0A6i

— Adam Hale (@AdamRHale) January 24, 2019

He is reported to have backed a gofundme page set up by agents Sport Cover saying the money raised would enable Emiliano Sala's relatives, "via a specialised organisation, to resume research in the Channel." The page also said; "its sole objective, through a specialized non-profit organization, is to help the family of Emiliano and pilot Dave Ibbotson continue the research."

That appeal had raised more than €323,000 by Sunday night.

Yesterday, 'shipwreck hunter' David Mearns arrived in Guernsey, and spoke to reporters about his plans for the search.

First landing in Guernsey aborted, now on the ground, rough sea conditions will be the main complicating factor during the search. #EmilianoSala #NoDejenDeBuscar emiliano sala pic.twitter.com/3heEEsV5Bv

— David Mearns (@davidlmearns) January 27, 2019

He told reporters as Guernsey Airport: "The family still have some hope, they are looking at this as a missing person, a missing plane, and until they are satisfied, that's the mode we are in. At some point in time, we will be looking at more investigative, technical searches under water. Two local Guernsey fishing vessels are assisting us, and they are fishing in the exact same area while the plane was last located and so while they are fishing, they will also be looking."

"You have to appreciate, they don't know the environment, they don't know the geography, this is a family who have come from Argentina, with this huge shock out of nowhere, and are struggling which what has happened, and very few answers about an unexplained loss, and so we need to give them time, and that's what we are trying to do, and give them that space with their enquiries, and the technical plans as well."

He said the Guernsey authorities are answering all the questions the family have. Mr Mearns is credited with finding HMS Hood, HMAS Sydney, AHS Centaur, Kormoran, MV Lucona and MV Derbyshire.