The Chilean Air Force said that it had lost contact with an Antarctica-bound plane with 38 people on board. The plane departed at 4:55 p.m. local time from Punta Arenas, officials said, and lost contact with operators at 6:13 p.m. local time.

More than seven hours after losing radio contact with the C-130 Hercules, the Air Force declared the plane had crashed, but the search for wreckage continued by both Chilean and partnered forces, in the air and on the water, “with hope of finding any survivors”.

The Air Force said it was contacting family members of those on board the plane “to keep them informed of this sad situation which affects both the Force and the nation”.