Private Investigators Discover Wreckage of Missing Soccer Player Sala’s Aircraft, Reports Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) – The wreckage of the aircraft that disappeared over the English Channel last month, carrying Premier League soccer player Emiliano Sala and his pilot, has been found, according to the marine scientist in charge of the search.

Emiliano Sala, a 28-year-old forward from Argentina, was traveling from Nantes in western France with pilot David Ibbotson to join Welsh team Cardiff City when the plane is believed to have crashed into the sea on January 21.

A privately funded underwater search commenced on Sunday, shortly after investigators reported discovering two seat cushions along the French coast that likely belonged to the aircraft.

“The wreckage of the plane carrying Emiliano Sala and piloted by David Ibbotson was located early this morning,” stated marine scientist David Mearns on social media.

Mearns mentioned that the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) had directed its vessel to the identified location to visually confirm the plane using a remote-operated vehicle.

“The families of Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson have been informed by the police. The AAIB will deliver a statement tomorrow. Tonight, our thoughts are with the families and friends of Emiliano and David,” Mearns added.