WRECKED ITALIA

Southland Times, Issue 20524, 28 June 1928, Page 7

WRECKED ITALIA

NOBILE’S VERSION FATE OF AIRSHIP S CREW CHIEF ENGINEER’S DEATH (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 10.45 p.m.) Rome, June 27. General Nobile’s detailed account throws light on the fate of the crew aboard the Italia’s hull. He says that after the disaster he watched the dirigible for six miles. Later, he noticed a column of smoke rising in the direction of the airship’s drift which General Nobile attributes to the firing of the airship’s petrol tanks or oil fallen from the airship. General Nobile adds that when the gondola hit the ice the impact was taken by the engine in the front car where Pompella, the chief engineer, was placed. Pompella suffered concussion and later he died and was given an honourable burial. General Nobile urges that a search for the party with the hull of the Italia be carried out within a triangle with the apex at the spot where the gondola party is now marooned. The maximum distance to the base of the triangle would be 30 miles. Three aeroplanes are ready to carry out a search on these lines as soon as the weather is favourable. General Nobile states that Malgren and party had provisions for 40 days. They had instruments and maps, but no tent or firearms.—Australian Press Association—United Senice. RESCUE WORK HAMPERED . MONTH’S DELAY EXPECTED Oslo, June 26. A wireless message from the Quest expresses the opinion that it is impossible to save the remainder of General Nobile’s party and also Lundborg for three or four weeks, after which it is hoped the ice will break up sufficiently for the seaplanes to alight. The party is provisioned for a month and other food can be dropped from aeroplanes. Hopes of finding Mariano and his companions are fading, daily flights over the places they could have reached having disclosed no trace.—Australian Press Association. SEARCH FOR AMUNDSEN. (Rec. 10.45 p.m.) Olso, June 27 An American woman, who hired the Hobby for the purposing of hunting in Greenland, placed the vessel at the disposal of the Norwegian Government. The steamer is going to the east coast of Spitzbergen to search for Captain Amundsen.—Australian Press Association —United Service.