A FIREFIGHTING aircraft has disappeared in Mallorca after losing contact with the control tower on Tuesday evening.
The hydroplane, part of the Balearic Nature Institute (IBANAT) was undertaking surveillance work in the Cala Sant Vicenç area of Pollença, and it last radared the control tower at 17.30.
Minutes later, an alert was launched, announcing the plane had vanished.
A regional government environment ministry spokesperson said it was not clear whether the pilot was alone or whether he or she had a companion.
Other planes went out to search for the missing craft soon after it disappeared, but had to cease the hunt at nightfall.
Balearic regional emergency services were due to patrol the Cala de Sant Vicenç at first light.