AERONAUTS FAIL TO CROSS THE MEDITERRANEAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11825, 30 November 1901, Page 6 (Supplement)

AERONAUTS FAIL TO CROSS THE MEDITERRANEAN.

Count De La Vaumc,, with three companions, shortly before midnight on October 12 started from near Toulon in his balloon to cross the Mediterranean and land on African soil. A French cruiser, the Du Chayla, and a steam yacht, the Jeanne Blanche, followed the balloon to render assistance if required. The Algerian snail steamer on Sunday passed the balloon, which was then 50' miles from Marseilles, signal being given that all was well. The count and his companions, however, failed in their attempt. Being met by contrary winds the aeronauts descended to the sea on Monday, and with their balloon were picked Up by the cruiser Du Chavla and taken back to Toulon. They were rescued at sea 10 miles to the east of the St. Lau--ent Lighthouse, this light being situated i 8 kilometres to the north of Port Vendres. it seems that the unfavourable winds which the aeronauts had encountered almost from the first on Monday increased in force, whilst the sea had become very rough in the Gulf of Lyons. Finding that he would in any case be driven on to the Spanish coast Count De La Vaulx preferred to abandon Shis voyage. and signalled to the cruiser to come to bis help.