Private investigators have found the wreckage of the aircraft carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) confirmed to Euronews over the phone on Sunday.
The AAIB released a statement on Monday afternoon, saying one body had been found alongside the wreckage.
“Tragically, in video footage… one occupant is visible amidst the wreckage,” the statement said.
Investigators are “now considering the next steps, in consultation with the families of the pilot and passenger, and the police.”
A tweet by David Mearns, a marine scientist leading the investigation, said that the plane had been found early Sunday morning.
David Mearns@davidlmearns Wreckage of the plane carrying Emiliano Sala and piloted by David Ibbotson was located early this morning by the FPV MORVEN. As agreed with the AAIB they moved the GEO OCEAN III over the position we provided them to visually identify the plane by ROV. #EmilianoSala 2,356 10:16 PM – Feb 3, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy
Wreckage of the plane carrying Emiliano Sala and piloted by David Ibbotson was located early this morning by the FPV MORVEN. As agreed with the AAIB they moved the GEO OCEAN III over the position we provided them to visually identify the plane by ROV. #EmilianoSala
2,356
“Tonight our sole thoughts are with the families and friends of Emiliano and David.”
David Mearns@davidlmearns The families of Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson have been notified by Police. The AAIB will be making a statement tomorrow. Tonight our sole thoughts are with the families and friends of Emiliano and David. #EmilianoSalas #NoDejenDeBuscarAEmilianoSala 2,153 10:19 PM – Feb 3, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy
The families of Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson have been notified by Police. The AAIB will be making a statement tomorrow. Tonight our sole thoughts are with the families and friends of Emiliano and David. #EmilianoSalas #NoDejenDeBuscarAEmilianoSala
2,153
Sala was announced as Cardiff’s record €17.1 million signing after the team reached a deal with his previous club Nantes FC.
Sala returned to the French city to say goodbye to ex-teammates on January 21st before boarding the plane to Cardiff in the evening. His plane disappeared from radar near the Channel Islands.
An official search was called off after three days when rescuers said there was little chance anyone aboard the single-engine aircraft had survived.
Earlier on Sunday, players and fans at Cardiff City football club paid their respects to Sala before their match against Bournemouth.
The Euronews
