A huge development in the search for Emiliano Sala and pilot Dave Ibbotson was revealed today, according to a report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
The British entity revealed that two seat cushions were found on a French beach, around 40 miles from where the aircraft vanished above Guernsey.
"From a preliminary examination, we have concluded that it is likely that the cushions are from the missing aircraft," a spokesman for the AAIB revealed.
A picture of the striker was displayed on the screen at Emirates Stadium prior to the game between Arsenal and Cardiff, in which Sala would have made his Premier League debut.
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Plans to conduct an underwater search have been laid down, but weather conditions in the region will force investigators to do so during the weekend. Furthermore, these findings will help local authorities and the privately-funded search party to narrow down the area in which the plane or parts of it might be found.
"Based on a detailed assessment of the flight path and last known radar position, we have now identified a priority search area of approximately four square nautical miles. Side-scan sonar equipment will be used to try to locate the wreckage on the seabed. If the wreckage is found, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) will be used to visually examine the wreckage," the spokesman added.
Efforts to find Sala, the pilot or any remains of the aircraft have been going on since January 22. Guernsey Police called off the active search on Friday, but a search operation funded by the player's family begun during the weekend.
