Antarctica-bound plane 'disappears' with 38 aboard: Chilean Air Force
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There was no immediate word on the identities of those on board, but most of them were said to be members of the air force.
A Chilean Air Force cargo plane with 38 on board has disappeared from radar en route to Antarctica, Chilean air force said.
"A C-130 Hercules aircraft took off at 16:55 (19:55 GMT) from the city of Punta Arenas to the President Eduardo Frei Antarctic Base... 38 people are traveling," the Air Force said in the statement.
According to the statement issued by the Chilean Air Force, there are 17 crew members and 21 passengers on the plane. The cargo plane of the Chilean Air Force was heading to King George Island, off the coast of Antarctica towards Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva.
The Chilean Air Force in the statement said that the aircraft was carrying out logistical support tasks, transferring personnel for the revision of the floating fuel supply pipeline at the base and for carrying out anticorrosive treatment of national facilities in the area.
A state of alert was declared after communication with plane was lost, and a search and rescue team was activated.
(With inputs from agencies)