SEARCH FOR AMUNDSEN.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1925, Page 7

SEARCH FOR AMUNDSEN.

SHIP SEES NO SIGN. TWO 'PLANES FLY NORTH. TRAPPERS ON LOOK-OUT. By Telegrajrti.— Press Assn.— Copyright. London, June 17. A wireless message from Danes Island on June 18 stated that when the Hobby on June 9 returned there after her first eastward patrol the Fram had departed for the south to fetch the relief expedition consisting of two aeroplanes. Thus the journalists have been cut off from the wireless station since and have been living in a trapper’s hut at Wellman’s Bay eating polar bear meat. Following instructions the Hobby immediately proceeded northwards again on a patrolling expedition. She returned to-night. The results of her search show that the Polar ice now lies unusually far north with open water to 80deg. 45min., 40 miles from the north coast of Spitsbergen. The ice approaches the. land near North East Land, an island north-east of Spitzbergen, but outside the pack ice lies a wide belt of drift ice which the airmen cannot possibly pass in their small canvas boats. If, therefore, they are, seeking Spitsbergen, they are probably bound for North East Land. Despite 'the most intently maintlained watch from the Hobby’s crow’s-nest no trace was found of the airmen. All the trappers living on the north coast of Spitsbergen have been warned to keep a look-out.

A wireless message from King’s Bay on June 17 stated that the Hobby immediately got in touch with the Heimdal, lying in Advent Bay. The Heimdal advised that the pilots and two aeroplanes which had been sent by the Norwegian Government would be ready to start when she gave the word. The Heimdal, after ascertaining that the ice conditions were favourable in the north, left Advent Bay at 4 a.m. She wirelessed that instructions had been given to the pilots and ’planes to get ready to start. The two aeroplanes ascended from Advent Bay at 9.45 in ideal weather, bright sunshine with a slight easterly breeze. At 11 a.m. we heard the roar of engines and a few seconds later the Hobby put out a boat to the aeroplanes, which descended at about 11.35.

It is understood that the aeroplanes will fly at a speed of 80 miles an hour and at a height of 4000 feet. The Hobby will proceed northwards from Danes Island to-night with orders to place buoys at Wellman’s Bay, where aeroplanes can be moored. The aeroplanes will proceed northwards as early as possible. The Heimdal is expected here at 7 p.m.