Brazilian emergency services are continuing their search for a priest who was blown out to sea hanging from 1,000 helium-filled balloons.

Father Adelir Antonio de Carli, 42, was attempting to set a world record for the longest flight using party balloons which had a seat attached.

He began his attempt on April 20 in Parana in the contraption which also carried water, cereal bars and energy capsules, but unexpected winds of over 65km per hour carried him out to sea.

He is said to have disappeared 31 miles off the coast, near the beach resort of Peña, 46 miles from the port of Sao Francisco do Sul in Santa Catarina.

Despite the rainy weather, Father de Carli seemed very optimistic before taking off, saying: "In ten minutes I'll pass it (rain) and will fly always in good weather."

However, police captain Carlos Henrique Coelho, who is leading the search, said the priest's last words were: "Please come save me, send me rescue."

His record bid was to draw attention to the work of his highway parish in the southern port of Paranagua, which targets mostly truck drivers who transport goods to and from the port.

Father de Carli had already made a previous similar flight with 500 balloons in January that reportedly took him as high as 5,000m (16,400ft).

Authorities said the seat he is using is buoyant and there are several islands in the region that he could have washed up on.

But Marine captain Lopes Vianna said the search is a battle against time: "As more time goes by, the searching area increases and it becomes more difficult to find the priest, especially alive."

During a test flight in January the priest was blown across the border to Argentina.

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