Cardiff City say they are ‘very concerned’ for the safety of Emiliano Sala after a plane went missing between France and Cardiff.
A sea search was launched yesterday after the Piper Malibu light aircraft was reported missing on a flight between Nantes and the Welsh capital.
The AFP news agency was reporting this morning that Sala was one of two people on board the aircraft with the news later confirmed by the French Civil Aviation Authority.
The 28-year-old had returned to France to say goodbye to his team-mates after signing for Cardiff on Saturday.
Sala was due to begin training with his new team-mates today following his record-breaking £15million move from the French Ligue 1 side.
Training was cancelled as a result of the worrying news.
A club statement said: “We are very concerned by the latest news that a light aircraft lost contact over the Channel last night. We are awaiting confirmation before we can say anything further. We are very concerned for the safety of Emiliano Sala.”
La ultima ❤️ ciao @FCNantes 👋🏻💛💚 pic.twitter.com/SV1dNHbYYH
— Emiliano Sala (@EmilianoSala1) January 21, 2019
The aircraft disappeared near the Casquets lighthouse, around 13km north-west of Alderney, on Monday night
The Guernsey lifeboat and two helicopters were deployed in the search along with HM Coastguard.
In a statement Guernsey Police said: “Guernsey Coastguard received an alert at 20:23 from Jersey ATC, that a light aircraft had gone off their radar approximately 15 miles north of Guernsey, initiating a major search and rescue operation involving both St Peter Port and Alderney lifeboats.
“Air Search 1 and 2 HM Coastguard helicopters are also involved in the search.
“The PA 46 Malibu, a single turbine engine aircraft 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.
“A search model was created on SARIS, based on the likely ditching position, and all search and rescue assets were tasked to the area.
“The search was terminated at 02:00, with all search and rescue assets being stood down, due to strengthening winds, worsening sea conditions and reducing visibility.
“At this time no trace of the missing aircraft had been found.
“The aircraft departed Nantes at 1915 for Cardiff. The aircraft was flying at 5000 feet. The aircraft on passing Guernsey requested descent. Jersey ATC lost contact whilst it was flying at 2300 feet.
“Air Search 1 and a French rescue helicopter based in Cherbourg, resumed the search of the area at 08:00.”
Sala joined City on a three-and-a-half year deal becoming the club’s record signing as Neil Warnock looked for a striker to fire them to Premier League safety.