Rescue teams call off the search for Cardiff City's Sala indefinitely

Guernsey Police have ended the search for the plane carrying missing Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala and the aircraft’s pilot, saying “the chances of survival at this stage are extremely remote.”

Sala and pilot David Ibbotson went missing when the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane they were using disappeared from radar screens while traveling from France to Cardiff on Monday.

After a desperate three-day search which found no trace of the plane, the authorities confirmed they have ended efforts to find the pair.    

A statement from Harbour Master Captain David Barker, released by Guernsey Police, reads:

"My team have just met to review the search and rescue operation which has been underway since the plane disappeared on Monday night.

"Despite the best efforts of air and search assets from the Channel Islands, UK and France, which has covered an area of approximately 1,700sq. miles - with a significant amount of this searched more than once - and having examined mobile phone data and satellite imagery, we have been unable to find any trace of the aircraft, the pilot or passenger.

"There has been over 24 hours of continuous searching, with 80 hours combined flying time across three planes and five helicopters. Two lifeboats have also been involved, as well as assistance from various passing ships and fishing boats.

"We reviewed all the information available to us, as well as knowing what emergency equipment was on board, and have taken the difficult decision to end the search.

"The chances of survival at this stage are extremely remote.

"Next of kin have been informed of this development, and my thoughts go out to the family of the pilot and passenger at this most difficult of times.

"This has been a very thorough and extensive search, co-ordinated from the Guernsey-based Joint Emergency Services Control Centre and has seen exemplary co-operation from all countries involved, for which I would like to extend my personal thanks.

"The final aircraft searching for the missing plane and those on board has now landed. Although we are no longer actively searching, the incident remains open 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."