Rescuers call off search for missing plane carrying Emiliano Sala

Authorities have ended the search for the airplane that went missing over the English Channel with Argentine striker Emiliano Sala on board. He was traveling from Nantes, France to Cardiff in Wales on Monday when the airplane disappeared from the radar.

"We reviewed all the information available to us, as well as knowing what emergency equipment was on board, and have taken the difficult decision to end the search," said captain David Barker from the island of Guernsey on Twitter.

Police believe Sala's chances of survival are "remote" at this point.

Emiliano Sala during the French L1 football match between Nantes and Montpellier at the La Beaujoire stadium in Nantes, western France, on January 8, 2019. [File Photo: AFP/LOIC VENANCE]

The 28-year-old had just signed a club record $19.7 million deal with Premier League side Cardiff City and was making his way back to his new club after saying goodbye to his Nantes teammates.

Search operations involved three planes, five helicopters, two lifeboats and the assistance of passing ships and fishing boats, covered an approximately 1,700-square-mile area, according to Captain Barker via the New York Times.

Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman said the club offered arrangements for Sala's travel but the player chose to go with his own arrangements which would have been quicker, according to Eurosport. David Ibbotson was confirmed as the pilot of the private Piper PA-46 Malibu plane carrying Sala.

Argentina's Ole.com.ar reported that Sala sent WhatsApp voice messages to his friends and father shortly before the plane vanished saying he's scared that the plane "seems like it's falling apart."

Police said "the aircraft on passing Guernsey requested descent."

Emiliano Sala was the top scorer of Ligue 1 club Nantes this season with 13 goals from 21 games.