Priest vanishes on balloon trip

SAO PAULO, Brazil – A Roman Catholic priest who floated off under hundreds of helium party balloons was missing Monday off the southern coast of Brazil.

Rescuers in helicopters and small fishing boats were searching off the coast of Santa Catarina state, where pieces of balloons were found.

The Rev. Adelir Antonio de Carli lifted off from the port city of Paranagua on Sunday afternoon, wearing a helmet, thermal suit and a parachute.

He was reported missing about eight hours later after losing contact with port authority officials, according to the treasurer of his Sao Cristovao parish, Denise Gallas.

Gallas said the priest wanted to break a 19-hour record for the most hours flying with balloons to raise money for a spiritual rest stop for truckers.

Carli had a GPS device, a satellite phone, a buoyant chair and is an experienced skydiver. “We are absolutely confident he will be found alive and well, floating somewhere in the ocean,” Gallas said.