INTENT LOOK-OUT

Northern Advocate, 18 June 1925, Page 5

INTENT LOOK-OUT

FOR AMUNDSEN PARTY

IMPASSABLE PACK ICE

AEROPLANE SEARCH COMMENCED

(Received 2.20 p.m.)

LONDON, June 17

A wireless message from Danes Island on June 16 stated that when the Hobby on June 9 returned there after her first eastward patrol the Farm had departed for the south to fetch the relief expedition, consisting of two aeroplanes. Thus the journalists have been cut off from the wireless station and haA 7 e been living in a trapper's hut at Wellman's Bay eating polar

bear meat,

Following instructions, the Hobby immediately proceeded northward again on a patrolling' expedition. She returned tonight, the results of her search showing that the polar ice now lies unusually far north, with open water to 80.45 degrees.

About 40 miles from the north coast of Spitzbergen the ice approaches the land near North Eastland, but outside the pacK ice lies a wide belt of "drift ice which the airmen cannot possibly pass in their small canvas bor.ts.

If, therefore, they are seeking Spitzbergen they are probably bo and for North-Eastland.

Despite a most intently maintained watch from the Hobby's crow's nest no trace has been found of the airmen.

All trappers living in the north coast huts of Spitzbergen have been warned to keep a look-out.

A wireless message from King's Bay on June 17 stated that the Hobby immediately got into touch with the Heimdal, lying in Advent Bay. The Heimdal advised that the pilots and two aeroplanes, which were sent by the Norwegian Government, would be ready to start when she gave the word.

The Heimdal, after ascertaining that the ice conditions were favourable in the north, left Advent Bay at 4 a.m. and wirelessed that instructions had been given the pilots and planes to get. ready to start.

The two aeroplanes ascended from Advent Bay at 9.45 a.m. in ideal weather—bright sunshine, with a slight easterly breeze. At 11 o'clock the Heimdal heard the roar of engines. A few seconds later the Hobby put out a boat to the aeroplanes, which descended about 1L35 —A. and N.Z. (Copyright)..