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Rescue Official Says There Is "No Hope" Of Finding Emiliano Sala Alive

Rescue Official Says There Is "No Hope" Of Finding Emiliano Sala Alive

A thorough search from Guernsey Police is yet to bare fruit

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

There is "no hope" of finding Cardiff City player Emiliano Sala alive according to a rescue official.

The 28-year-old Argentine was travelling back to Cardiff after saying goodbye to his former teammates at Nantes but the aircraft went missing over the Channel Islands.

A thorough search from Guernsey Police is still ongoing, though Chief officer of Channel Islands Air Search, John Fitzgerald, expressed his concern by saying "even the most fit person" would not be able to survive in water for such a long period of time.

He added, as per the BBC: "Sadly, I really don't think, personally, there is any hope. At this time of year the conditions out there are pretty horrendous if you are actually in the water."

Earlier today, Guernsey Police revealed four potential possibilities and said they were favouring the third option: "They landed on water and made it into the life raft we know was on board."

The force have been providing regular updates on their search but have still yet to find a trace of the missing aircraft. They will make a decision on whether to continue the hunt later on today.

Last night, Nantes fans held a vigil for their former striker, while Cardiff supporters laid down tributes at the club's stadium.

Image: PA
Image: PA

On their official website, Cardiff issued a statement that read: "We were very shocked upon hearing the news that the plane had gone missing.

"We expected Emiliano to arrive last night into Cardiff and today was due to be his first day with the team.

"Our owner, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, and chairman, Mehmet Dalman, are all very distressed about the situation.

"We made the decision first thing this morning to call off training with the thoughts of the squad, management staff and the entire Club with Emiliano and the pilot.

"All of us at Cardiff City FC would like to thank our fans, and the entire footballing family for their support at this difficult time.

"We continue to pray for positive news."

SPORTbible's thoughts and prayers go out to Cardiff City, Nantes and the friends & family of Sala at this tough time.

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Topics: Football News, Football, Emiliano Sala, Ligue One, Premier League, Argentina