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Funding for a private air and sea rescue mission was secured after the end of official efforts last week
By Sky News
Last updated: 28/01/19 17:08
Emiliano Sala has been missing for a week
An underwater search is about to begin to find the missing plane carrying Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala, said a scientist involved in the operation.
Funding for a private air and sea rescue mission was secured at the end of official efforts, with more than 4,000 people donating to help exceed the target of € 300,000 (£ 259,000).
A control vessel was hired to conduct an underwater search this weekend.
1:28 Cardiff manager Neil Warnock admits he plans to withdraw from football after Sala's disappearance
Heard by the family of Argentine striker David Mearns, of Bluewater Recoveries, told reporters: "We searched for and hired a control vessel equipped with state-of-the-art research equipment, which will be used to conduct an underwater search of the wreck in the area of the last radar contact.
"The topographic vessel is being mobilized in Southampton and, subject to weather conditions, will be repositioned in Guernsey on Thursday or Friday this week.
"Based on current weather forecasts, we hope that underwater research will begin on weekends, most likely on Sunday."
2:13 Sala's family is still hopeful as a spokesperson discusses his visit to Guernsey and expectations of a private raid
Ground searches will continue in the meantime, including local fishing boats that would help spot any signs of the plane that was flying from the French city of Nantes to Cardiff.
The Piper PA-46 Malibu aircraft disappeared from radar near the Channel Islands. Sala and his pilot David Ibbotson were the only people on board.
Guernsey Harbor's captain, David Barker, said the odds of survival were "extremely remote", but that the private operation started after signing an online petition by more than 800,000 people .
Mr. Mearns, a sinking fighter expert who badists the family, said that they still had hope while adding that they "were struggling" with what s & rsquo; Had pbaded.
Sala signed for Cardiff for a record fee
"The family still has a bit of hope, she sees this as a missing person, a missing plane, and until they are satisfied, that's the way in which we we find, "he said.
"It's a family from Argentina with this huge shock coming from nowhere and struggling with what happened, with very, very few answers about an unexplained loss."
The flight left Nantes for Cardiff at 19:15 last Monday and lost contact with Jersey air traffic control as it crossed the English Channel.
On Friday, text messages were exchanged between Sala and Agent Willie McKay's son about the flight arrangements.
Mr. McKay stated that although he had organized the flight for Sala through a company that he had used on many occasions, he did not own the plane, did not selected neither the plane nor the pilot.
The tributes continued this weekend for the missing Cardiff striker
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has opened a probe and its investigations will determine if the pilot has the appropriate license.
According to the records of the Federal Aviation Administration, Mr. Ibbotson, 59, held a private pilot license and was pbading a medical exam as recently as November.
Cardiff staff and supporters, who signed a deal with Sala for a club record, should wear yellow daffodils on Tuesday for their match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
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