Wreck of Emiliano Sala on the photo after the airplane cushions found on the beach

This is the first picture of the wreckage of a plane carrying Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala.

Investigators said on Wednesday earlier that two seat cushions that had been washed would likely belong to the aircraft.

And Josette Bernard, who lives in Normandy, photographed a seat she found on the beach four days ago.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) was informed Monday by its French counterparts that a portion of a cushion had been found on a beach near Surtainville, in the Cotentin Peninsula.

A second cushion was found in the same area later in the day.

The AAIB said in a statement: "After a preliminary examination, we concluded that it is likely that the cushions come from the missing plane."

"Since we opened our security investigation on Tuesday, January 23, we have gathered evidence such as flight, aircraft and personnel records, and we have badyzed radar data and tapes. air traffic recording.

"We worked closely with other international authorities and kept the families of those involved informed of our progress."

The AAIB has established a "priority search area" of about four square nautical miles and has commissioned a specialized vessel to conduct a study of the seabed.

He did not confirm the location but said that is where he thinks the plane went to sea.

Due to the weather and the sea, this should start at the end of this weekend and could take up to three days.

If a wreck is found, a remotely operated vehicle will be used to examine it.

The AAIB said it is aware that a research funded by private funds is also underway and "ensures close liaison with the people involved to maximize the chances of finding any wreckage and damage." Ensure a safe search operation ".

Naval scientist David Mearns is helping the family of footballer Sala, who has just signed for Cardiff City, with this separate research.

He said Monday that he would focus on an area of ​​25 square miles on the seabed north of Alderney.

The Piper PA-46 Malibu carrying Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson disappeared by the Channel on January 21st after leaving Nantes in France for Cardiff.

He asked to get off and then lost contact with Jersey air traffic control.