NOBILE OVERDUE

Southland Times, Issue 20497, 28 May 1928, Page 7

NOBILE OVERDUE

ANXIETY FELT PETROL SUPPLY RUNNING SHORT STORMY CONDITIONS PREVAILING AIRSHIP HAMPERED BY ICE (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 27. Telegrams via Vadso (Norway) state that there was no news of the Italia at King’s Bay (Spitsbergen) at three this morning. Nothing has been heard at the wireless stations, possibly because the Italia’s aerial is ice-coated. It is feared that a storm has driven her eastwards. She has enough food for a fortnight, but the petrol is nearing exhaustion. Anxiety is felt lest she was forced down in the sea or icy waters. Advices via Copenhagen state that a heavy storm is raging at King’s Bay tonight. It also stated that General Nobile sent a message that the Italia was not using all her propellers. The supply ship Citta di Milano is preparing to go to meet the airship, but it is considered unlikely that she will make much progress. According to othfcr advices General Nobile stated that he expected to reach King’s Bay at ten o’clock in the evening, but if a storm prevented him he would try to get to Vadso. According to earlier reports the Italia met heavy winds and was greatly hampered by ice forming on her canvas. The danger involved is not disguised.—Australian Press Association. STILL NO NEWS. (Rec. 11 p.m.) King’s Bay, May 26. At mid-day there was still no news of the Italia. It is believed that she is drifting towards Siberia. General Nobile sent a last message at seven in the evening of Friday The supply ship commenced the search tonight.—Australian Press Association. ITALIAN MINISTER’S APPEAL. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Oslo, May 26. The Italian Minister has requested the Norwegian Government to render the utmost aid to find and rescue the Italia and its crew. —Australian Press AssociationUnited Service. GOVERNMENT SEARCH INSTITUTED. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Oslo, May 26. The Government is taking up the search for General Nobile. The Defence Ministry is consulting experts.—Australian Press Association. SEARCH BY AEROPLANES. (Rec. 11 p.m.) Oslo, May 26. As a result of a conference held at the Ministry of Defence in the presence of Captain Amundsen, M. Severdrup, Gunner Isachsen and Captain Riiser Larsen the last-named announced his readiness to immediately examine the possibility of searching for the Italia and carrying out a relief expedition by means of aeroplanes.—Australian Press Association—United Service. FAINT SIGNALS HEARD. (Rec. 12.45 a.m.) Copenhagen, May 27. It is reported that the City di Milano and the Vadso wireless' station heard faint signals at 10.5 p.m. on May 26 from the Italia stating that it was in grave danger, but not giving its bearings. After a conference with the Italian Legation at Oslo it was decided to send a hydroplane relief expedition from the City di Milano north of King’s Bay.—United Service.