Priest disappears after world record attempt

A ROMAN Catholic priest who floated off under 1,000 helium party balloons has gone missing off the 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.

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