ARCTIC EXPLORATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19497, 4 June 1925, Page 9

ARCTIC EXPLORATION

AMUNDSEN EXPEDITION

AEROPLANES TO SEARCH

Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. OSLO, Juno 2. The Government lias decided to send two naval aeroplanes by steamer to Spitsbergen 1. 1 assist iu the search I'or Captain Amundsen. The aeroplanes will reach Spitzberger. at the end of next week.

It is the geneial opinion that Captain Amundsen is unable to return by air, and is making for Cape Columbia or Spitx bergen on foot. Tnc president of tho -Norwegian Aero Club says that the Amundsen searching parties will operate from three bases, hirst, tho seaplanes will co-operate with tho Hobby in the ice-barrier north ot Spitsbergen, flying in widening circles northwards; secondly, from Cape Columbia, where -Mr -MacMillan’s American flying expedition will operate; thirdly, from East Greenland by the agency of Dr Charcot’s vessel, jfourquoi Fas. —A. and N.Z. and Reuter Cables. NO SIGN OF AIRMEN. THE FRAM TO PATROL ICE EDGE. LONDON, Juno 3. (Received June 5, at 8.10 p.m.) A copyright wireless message from the Fram on June 1 states: was no sign of the airmen when the Fram returned to Wellman’s Ray, Captain Amundsen’s 14-day limit docs not expire until Thursday, but we have not given up hope of their return by aeroplane and will begin to patrol the ice edge on 'Thursday. The Hobby reports that the edge of the polar ice is rough and twisted for miles inward, and it would bo most difficult to crosg. It >■ believed that the planes were daanaged on landing and that the party is footing it to Cape Columbia. Captain Amundsen, before leaving had fears about landing- ’ —A. and N.Z. Cable.