Emiliano Sala's missing plane that disappeared with the footballer and pilot David Ibbotson on January 21, while flying from Nantes to Cardiff has been spotted on Sunday, February 3 using hi-tech sonar equipment-with passengers on board assumed dead.
According to Daily Mail report citing Sky Sports, the marine specialists David Mearns, who is in charge of the private search revealed that the plane's wreckage was discovered in the seabed of the English Channel.
He further explained that the AAIB boat as well as a ROV (Remotely operated underwater vehicle) were employed to confirm the plane's identity.
At the moment, Sala's family members alongside the pilot have been contacted regarding the development, as experts from the Air Accident Investigation Branch are being mobilized to recover the plane from the scene.
Speaking with reporters Mearns confirmed the wreckage was spotted by 9 am Sunday, suggesting that it took less than 60 minutes to discover the debris.
"This is about the best result we could have hoped for the families.
"But tonight they have heard devastating news and in respect of the families I won't comment any further about what has happened," Mearns was quoted as saying to Sky News.
Despite the sad news as Mearns claims Sky News Tom Parmenter believes the effort was not a waste
"at least we were able to bring some sort of answer to the families."
Mearns also took to the social media to confirm the spot the vessel located the debris with a short message.
"As agreed with the AAIB they moved the GEO OCEAN III over the position we provided them to visually identify the plane by ROV. #EmilianoSala," Mearns tweeted, even as he added in another tweet.
"Tonight our sole thoughts are with the families and friends of Emiliano and David," he submitted.
A statement is expected on Monday, February 4, from AAIB regarding the findings.
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