LONG ARCTIC VOYAGE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 118, 21 May 1928, Page 9

LONG ARCTIC VOYAGE

HAZARD OF FOG AND ICE , MOBILE'S EXPEDITION United Press Association—'.By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Australian Press Association—United Service. SPITZBERGEN, 19th May. That the exploration of tho polar regions by airship is constantly beset with dangers is revealed on the Italia's return after a flight of nearly three flays and nights, wherein the airship covered nearly 2000 miles. The airship became coated with nearly a ton of ice, which caused much anxiety. Finally a blizzard compelled a return, with the ultimate objective—a thorough exploration of the lands and islands known as Lenin Land—unattained. Th© Italia en route made a search for Gilles Land, claimed to have been discovered by an English explorer of that name, but failed to find a trace of it. As the north coast of Spitzbergen' was approached, the weather became more and more uncertain. . Finally enveloped in a thick belt of fog the airship nosed, her way for hours through the nebulous mass until it was observed that ice was beginning to form on the metal parts. Finally the airship came to the open sea and ice, over which it flew at an altitude of 500 feet. The midnight sun sent rays over the horizon which streamed across the dead icy wastes of the polar sea far and wide*. Not the slightest sign of life was seen. CREW SUPPER FROM COLD. Shortly before 5 o'clock on Wednesday morning the coast of Franz Josef Land was sighted. The temperature aboard fell as much as seven degrees below zero, and the crew, owing to lack of opportunity for exercise, suffered considerably despite their fur outfits. A crust of ice now enveloped the whole airship, hindering manoeuvring operations. It became disconcerting. Over Franz Josef Land a flag from the city of Venice was thrown overboard in memory of the Venetian explorers who perished there. Shortly afterwards a head wind strengthened considerably and slowed progress. As tho Italia flew over one spot, where Captain Cagni wintered twenty eight years ago, a wreath was dropped. When tho Italia somewhat lumberingly approached where Leuinland was supposed to be, a blizzard broke suddenly. Obviously a landing thereabouts was impracticable. Just before midnight the Italia set a new course, following the receipt of a wireless message from the supply ship advising a return as far. south as poasitfle. After a five hour' flight over sea ice Novaya Zemba rose up to the southward and the airship simultaneously ran into a new bank of fog. She rose higher with difficulty to avoid the danger of further ice accumulating, as already.it was estimated at a ton in weight. GLAD TO GET BACK. When 150 milesfrom King's Bay a series of north-easterly winds shook the airship from nose to stern. General Nobile .on one occasion beiieved that it would bo impossible to make the base, and contemplated steering for Vadsoo in Norway. 'All hands, including the wireless operator, were called on to 'keep the Italia in the air, and this explains the absence of replies to the supply ship's signals. The crew are now considerably fatigued with the forty hours' constant strain of watch. There was joy on board when a wire-, less message was received from King's Bay stating that everything was ready for their arrival, and the weather was favourable f6r a landing. The Italia arrived at King's Bay in streaming sunshine and calm air, and landed smoothly.