The agent of Christian Atsu, Nana Sechere is pleading for more rescue resources to be deployed as the Hatayspor winger is still missing nine days after the earthquake in Turkey.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit south-eastern Turkey and Northern Syria on February 6 has claimed the lives of more than 37,000 people.
There were initial reports the 65-time capped Ghana international had been freed from the rubble, but it was incorrect.
Sechere revealed up to five lives have been found at the site where Atsu was when the earthquake happened, however there is no indication the 31-year-old is among them with any sign of life.
“I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian’s family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the people affected,” Sechere said.
“During my time here we have been able to locate Christian Atsu’s exact room location, and we have found two pairs of his shoes.
“Yesterday we received confirmation that thermal imagery was showing signs of up to five lives, however, I am told that the only real confirmation of life is through sight, smell and sound, and unfortunately we were not able to locate Christian.”
Sechere went on to reveal Atsu’s club Hatayspor have not been on ground in the rescue efforts and urged them as well as the Mayor of the city of Hatay Lutfu Savas, to provide more needful information in the rescue efforts.
“…we urgently need more resources, including a translator, on the ground. Things are moving incredibly slow and, as a result of that, many rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost due to the lack of resources available to the workers,” he continued.
“It is unfortunate that the club is not on the ground with us, side by side, in the search for Christian. Their position and influence, accompanied with their local knowledge would be extremely helpful.
“We implore the president of the club and mayor of Hatay, Lutfu Savas, to provide additional resources to speed up the rescue efforts as a priority.”
Atsu scored his first goal for Hatayspor in 1-0 win over Kasimpasa a day before the earthquake struck. The Turkish Super Lig and all sporting activities in the country have been on halt since the devastating event.
