Dorset Police confirmed that the body recovered from a plane which crashed into the English Channel two weeks ago is the Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala.
The 28-year old Argentine professional footballer was traveling to Cardiff in a plane piloted by David Ibbotson. The pilot, 60, lost radar contact 24 nautical miles North of Guernsey and was later found 220ft under the sea.
The Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB) said the operation had been carried out “as dignified a way as possible” and the men’s families were kept updated throughout.
The wreckage of the Piper Malibu N264DB that was carrying the two men was found in the sea off the Channel Islands on Sunday, and investigators said shortly afterwards they had seen a body inside. On Thursday, after the body was brought to Portland in Dorset by the Geo Ocean III boat, police confirmed it was that of the footballer.
Last night, Dorset police said: “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.”
Cardiff City Football Club said in a statement: “We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano. He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.”
>Juthy Saha
