A search and rescue operation has been launched after a Chilean Air Force plane flying to the country's base in Antarctica with 38 people on board vanished Monday evening, the military said. President Sebastian Pinera tweeted he was monitoring developments.
Details: The C-130 Hercules was carrying 17 crew members and 21 passengers when it lost contact with operators, the Air force said. Three civilians were on board, AP reports.
What we know: The C-130 Hercules was carrying 17 crew members and 21 passengers when it lost contact with operators, per AP, which notes the air force said the plane "would have run out of fuel around 12:40 a.m."
- An Air Force official told reporters the plane didn't activate a distress signal, per the BBC.
- The plane was "transporting crew members to inspect a floating pipeline" that helps to power Chile's Base Antarctica Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva, the New York Times notes.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
