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Football

24th Jan 2019

FC Nantes appeal to Guernsey Police to continue search for Emiliano Sala

FC Nantes have publicly appealed to Guernsey Police, asking them to continue the search for Emiliano Sala after it was called off on Thursday

Reuben Pinder

The search was called off on Thursday afternoon

FC Nantes have publicly appealed to Guernsey Police to continue the search for Emiliano Sala.

The search officially was called off on Thursday, after Guernsey police judged the chances of survival ‘extremely remote‘.

The Argentine footballer, who had just signed for Cardiff City from Ligue 1 FC Nantes, was on board a light aircraft which went missing on Monday night while flying across the English Channel.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Harbour Master Captain David Barker said: “We reviewed all the information to us, as well as knowing what emergency equipment was on board, and have taken the difficult decision to end the search.”

Since then, Sala’s sister and father have both pleaded with the authorities to continue the search. And now Sala’s former club Nantes have requested that Guernsey Police do not end their search yet.

In a Tweet, Nantes said:

“FC Nantes has learnt that the search for the missing plane was called off.

“This search mustn’t stop, Guernsey Police.

“The club and its supporters strongly ask for the search to find Emiliano Sala to go on, for his family and his near relatives. Together for Emi!”

In Guernsey Police’s statement, Harbour Master Captain David Barker clarified that:

“Although we are no longer actively searching, the incident remains open and and we will be broadcasting to all vessels and aircraft in the area to keep a look out for any trace of the aircraft. This will continue indefinitely.”