2 Still Missing After Balloon Crashes Into Pacific

5 women rescued off Peru coast
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 29, 2013 3:28 PM CDT
2 Still Missing After Balloon Crashes Into Pacific
Two passengers of a hot-air balloon float as they wait for rescuers to lower an aerial rescue basket after the balloon fell into the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Lima, Peru, April 28, 2013.   (AP Photo/Peru's Navy Press Office)

A hot-air tourist balloon carrying seven people in Peru fell into the Pacific Ocean yesterday, and authorities say they have rescued five women while the craft's pilot and another man remain missing. An official says none of the people on the flight were wearing life jackets. Members of the Peruvian navy, air force, and police searched with helicopters, boats, and jet skis for the missing men throughout the day yesterday.

Authorities say the women survived because they stayed in the balloon's basket, which floated. They have been taken to a naval hospital. The balloon company's manager says strong winds pushed the balloon off its planned route along the coast and out over the Pacific. (More hot air balloon stories.)

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