BALLOON RACE

Otago Witness, Issue 3524, 27 September 1921, Page 14

BALLOON RACE

LONDON, September 20. Tifteen balloons started a race from Brussels. Eight landed in England and Wales. September 21All of tlie 11 balloons are accounted for. Switzerland was lire winner. This balloon landed near Dublin. iiaufraann and M'Kibben, who manned the United States No. 10, tell a thrilling story of their escape after falling into the Irish Sea. They were within rive miles of the shore, but owing to a falling wind they were unable to land, and drifted, having only four bags of ballast left. They sighted two ships, and the vessels turned, but they decided that the balloon was not in danger and went on. The balloon had now two bags of ballast. The aviators cut the drag ropes to pieces and threw out their spare clothing and instruments. Nevertheless the balloon slowly sank to the water. Fortunately they saw another vessel and cast another light. Seeing that it was their only chance, Haufmann and M'Kibben bowed their balloon down to the waves. The captain of the ship lowered a boat, but as the balloon reached the sea M’Kibben was struck on the head by a ring and knocked off the basket into tlie water. Relieved of his weight, tho balloon shot skywards like a rocket, carrying Haufmann, who had no option but to rip the envelope and take a snorting chance. He descended and was picked up 15 miles off Dublin and landed safely.