LOST AIRMEN

Southland Times, Issue 21729, 15 June 1932, Page 7

LOST AIRMEN

PLANE DISCOVERED LOCATED NEAR MISSION STATION NO WORD OF FLYERS (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.10 p.m.) Perth, June 14. A message from Wyndham states that Hans Bertram’s Junkers seaplane was discovered near the Drysdale aboriginal mission station, an isolated district in the north-west. Attached to the machine was a message stating that the aviators had gone into the bush. The search for them continues, but their survival is doubtful. Moreover the natives in that area are described as treacherous.

A message from Melbourne says that the Civil Aviation Department states that the latest reports from NorthWest Australia indicate that Bertram landed safely, then abandoned the seaplane to seek assistance. The German Consul points out that there were originally four in Bertram’s party, consisting of Bertram, a co-pilot ; a mechanic, and a photographer, but the latter stayed behind at Batavia. MAY SURVIVE MESSAGE NOT TRANSLATED. (United Press Assn—Telegraph Copyright.) Perth, June 14. Native runners carried a letter from Father Cubero to the Wyndham police. The message was written on a cigarette case and has not yet been translated. Father Cubero’s letter said: “I gauge the time when the articles were dropped to be May 26. The natives have been instructed to search for the two men. The possibility of the airmen surviving is in their favour. The country is very rough and mountainous, but there is plenty of fresh water, fish and game.”