SOUTH SUDAN (WBTV) – A plane that belonged to North Carolina-based nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse was hijacked while making a delivery in an African country on Tuesday, the organization confirmed.
Samaritan’s Purse said a Caravan airplane was taking medicine to a mobile medical unit based in Maiwut, South Sudan when the hijacking happened.
The nonprofit said the pilot was eventually able to land the plane in Wau, which is about 400 miles from the original destination. Once on the ground, the National Security Service of South Sudan arrested the armed hijacker.
“We praise God that no one was seriously injured, and we are grateful to the security forces for their support and swift action on the ground to resolve the situation and bring a safe outcome,” a Samaritan’s Purse representative said.
In addition to the pilot, one Samaritan’s Purse staff member was also onboard the airplane.
The Christian organization is headquartered in Boone, and is headed by Franklin Graham — son of the late Rev. Billy Graham. Samaritan’s Purse does relief and ministry work worldwide.
FILE PHOTO — A Samaritan’s Purse plane was hijacked while making a medical delivery in Africa on Dec. 2.(WBTV)
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