The body recovered from the plane wreckage on the sea bed of the English Channel has been identified
as Emiliano Sala.
Sala, 28, and pilot David Ibbotson have been missing since the plane they were flying in lost contact with
Air Traffic Control on Monday, January 21.
The Piper Malibu aircraft was found on the seabed of the English Channel on Sunday morning –and
body was recovered from the wreckage on Wednesday.
A Dorset Police statement on Thursday night read: “The body brought to Portland Port today, Thursday 7
February 2019, has been formally identified by HM Coroner for Dorset as that of professional footballer
Emiliano Sala.
“The families of Mr Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson have been updated with this news and will continue
to be supported by specially-trained family liaison officers. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult
time.
“HM Coroner will continue to investigate the circumstances of this death supported by Dorset Police.
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“On Monday 21 January 2019, a plane carrying both men was flying from Nantes to Cardiff when it lost
contact with Air Traffic Control, north of Guernsey.
“Sadly a search and rescue operation was unsuccessful in locating the plane and the two occupants.
“Subsequently AAIB and privately funded search teams were deployed to the relevant area. Using
specialist equipment, the teams succeeded in locating and identifying the plane and recovering Mr Sala’s
body.”
Argentine striker Sala’s transfer to Cardiff from Nantes had been announced just two days before the
plane disappeared as it carried him back to the Welsh capital.
The wreckage of the plane was located 21 miles off the coast of Guernsey and, after the body was
recovered, it was taken to Portland Port in Dorset, where the process of formal identification took place.
A statement from Cardiff read: “We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of
Emiliano.
“He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.”
The Argentine Football Association wrote on Twitter: “Profound pain over the death of Emiliano Sala.
“Our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The French League have confirmed there will be a minute’s applause before kick-off at all games in Ligue
1 and Ligue 2 this weekend in memory of Sala.
