Ballongulykke - Peru

Survivors found in hot air balloon accident: reports

Updated 5 hours 53 minutes ago

Photo: Rescuers gather on the beach near where the hot air balloon was declared missing (Twitter: Sofía Pichihua)

Map: Peru

At least five people have been found alive after their hot air balloon fell into the Pacific Ocean off Peru, according to local reports.

The balloon, carrying six tourists and a pilot, was declared missing on Sunday morning (local time).
Authorities believed it had fallen into the sea about 200 kilometres south of Lima in rough weather, but said the chance of survivors was high because the basket could float.
Local media quoted interior minister Wilfredo Pedraza as saying five women were found alive, floating in the sea with the remains of the balloon.
"Thank God, we have located five female occupants and we are continuing to search for the two missing men, whom we hope to find alive," Mr Pedraza said