Pacific Crossing On Raft; Scientists To Make Attempt

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 166, 28 April 1947, Page 3

Pacific Crossing On Raft; Scientists To Make Attempt

CALLAO (Peru), April 26. Six Norwegian scientists will sail from Callao on Monday on an IS by 45 feet balsam wood raft in an attempt to show how the ancient Peruvians could have crossed 4000 miles of the Pacific to reach the South Sea Islands. Thor Heyerdahl, leader of the expedition, believes the islands of the Tuamotu Archipelago were first populated by Peruvians who drifted across on rafts, and he is determined to prove it. He expects the voyage to take four months. The raft, like the rafts of the ancient Peruvians, is lashed together with ropes and has a bamboo deck, a bamboo cabin, a primitive square sail, rudder and oars. Modern conveniences include iron rations, United States Army sun cream, anti-exposure suits and a radio with which daily weather reports will be broadcast. Heyerdahl will test life saving and communications equipment developed during the war and collect oceanographic data. For entertainment during the drift the Norwegians are taking with them one guitar.