This past Sunday, Brazilian priest Adelir de Carli set off on a mission to set a record for the most hours flown using just balloons in order to raise money for constructing a rest stop in his town of Paranagua, Santa Catarina. He strapped himself to 1,000 helium balloons, hoping to exceed the 19 hour record, but disappeared the same day. <\/p>\n
This week, rescue workers found some of the balloons floating off the coast, but still have no sign of the priest. Given that he was an experienced skydiver and in good health, authorities believe he may still be alive. He also had a supply of food and water for nearly a week.<\/p>\n
Before losing phone contact, he said he was descending rapidly, blown off course by strong winds. Brazilian news sources report that the priest’s family believe he disconnected himself from the balloons and landed in the forest, where he may be lost.<\/p>\n