Underwater search preparations underway after seat cushions found in Sala search

Plane parts have been found in the search for Sala. Credit: PA Images

A survey vessel has arrived in Guernsey ahead of the underwater water search for the missing plane carrying Emiliano Sala, after two cushions from the aircraft were found earlier this week.

The cushions were found on Monday 28th January on a beach near Surtainville on the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France.

A preliminary examination by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has shown it is 'likely' the cushions are from the missing aircraft.

It says they have now identified a priority search area of approximately four square nautical miles.

Credit: PA

They have commissioned a specialist survey vessel to carry out an underwater survey of the seabed to try to locate and identify possible aircraft wreckage.

Due to the weather and sea conditions, the underwater seabed search is expected to start at the end of this weekend and to take up to three days.

Sonar equipment will be used to locate the wreckage on the seabed.

There is also a private search currently underway in the area. The AAIB say they are working closely together to maximise the chance of finding the wreckage.

The light aircraft carrying Emiliano Sala and pilot, David Ibbotson disappeared over the English Channel last Monday evening during a journey from Nantes to Cardiff.