Emiliano Sala search BACK ON: Private hunt launched as £260,000 raised
THE family of missing Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala have launched their own search for the star and pilot Dave Ibbotson after thousands of people including big-name players donated nearly £280,000 to an online appeal.
The GoFundMe page was set up on Friday with a target of €300,000 (£259,000) after Guernsey Police announced on Thursday they were calling off the search and rescue operation. The campaign won the backing of a some of Europe’s top footballers including Kylian Mbappe who donated €30,010 (£26,000), Adrien Rabiot who gave €25,000 (£21,500), and Dmitri Payet who put up €10,000 (£8,600). More than 4,000 people have supported the cash appeal, with many leaving heartfelt messages on the page offering well wishes and sharing the hashtag #PrayForSala.
The online drive was launched on Friday by Sport Cover, the football agency run by Elilano’s agent Meissa N’Diaye.
It came after the 28-year-old Argentine footballer’s sister Romina made an emotional plea to authorities to resume the search for the PA-46 Malibu aircraft after they announced on Thursday they had ended it.
Guernsey Police abandoned the search which began on Monday, saying “the chances of survival at this stage are extremely remote”.
In a tearful address, Romina urged officers to not give up hope on the chances of finding her brother and British pilot Mr Ibbotson.
She said: “I understand everything but if they are still alive please don’t stop this search.”
One message posted on the fundraising page reads: “If he was my son I would never give up. I hope by some miracle he finds his way home, forever in our hearts.”
Another said: “It’s too early to give up hope, let’s hope and pray that they are found alive”.
The small aircraft dropped off the radar as it flew over the English Channel while on a flight from Nantes in France to Cardiff.
A statement posted on the GoFundMe page on Sunday, which carries the hashtag #NoDejenDeBuscar Emiliano Sala and means ‘Don't Stop Looking for Emiliano Sala', reads: “The Emiliano family and we would like to thank you again for your exceptional generosity in a tragedy that goes far beyond football.
“As donations continue to be made, the fund will remain open for the time being, waiting for news from Emiliano and the pilot, (Dave Ibbotson).
“As a reminder, the money will be used exclusively for research (mobilisation of maritime and air transport, exploration of the seabed, etc.) and assistance to families.”
After Arsenal and Man United players donned black armbands on Friday night, Everton and Millwall did not wear the symbols due to a request from Emiliano’s family because he has to been confirmed dead.