Emiliano Sala pilot’s family launch GoFundMe page to restart underwater search

THE family of the missing pilot David Ibbotson has set up a GoFundMe page in a bid to find the missing dad.

Mr Ibbotson, 59, was flying the £15million Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala, 28, from Nantes to the Welsh capital when the single propeller aeroplane crashed into the sea near Alderney on January 21.

An official search was called off within just four days but an initial fundraising page gained more than £260,000 to pay for a private search.

That investigation led to the discovery of the footballer’s body in the wreckage on February 4.

Mr Ibbotson’s body has not yet been discovered.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) stated the search had been brought to an end and the operation to raise the wreckage abandoned due to bad weather.

Earlier today Sala’s family urged authorities to continue looking for the pilot’s body.

They said in a statement: "It is with infinite sadness that we confirm the identity of Emiliano's body.

"We would like to thank you for all your signs of affection and support in what is the most painful time of our lives.

"Seeing the whole world mobilised to support us in our research has been an infinitely precious help. Thanks to you, we are now able to mourn our son, our brother.

"On this Friday morning, our thoughts go to David Ibbotson and his family, hoping that the authorities will do their best to find him."

'PLEASE HELP BRING DAVID IBBOTSON HOME'

The GoFundMe page, set up by Ibbotson’s daughter Danielle, hopes to raise enough money to launch another private search.

The page says: "Please help bring David Ibbotson home and help give him the send off he deserves.

"As a family we are relying on the kindness of the good-hearted people to help us raise the much needed funds to help us find our beloved Dad, Husband and Son.

"As a family we are trying to come to terms with the tragedy and the loss of two incredible men.

"To be told the search has now been called off for the foreseeable future has only made this tragic time more difficult.

"We can not bare the thought of him being alone, we need him home so that we are able to lay him to rest.

"Any donations would be very much appreciated.

"Thank you so much for your support Ibbotson Family."

The page had raised over £12,000 by Friday evening.

Donations can be made .