450 MILES ADRIFT.

Shannon News, 15 September 1925, Page 4

450 MILES ADRIFT.

’PLANE GETS INTO BREAKERS. (Received Sunday, 7 p.m.) HONOLULU, September 11. Greeted by the entire population of Kauai, the aviators were towed ashore, at Litiue last night “in good condition, well and happy.” According to a message intercepted here, they were found at a point 450 miles west of the spot where they 'were forced down, having drifted more slowly than Navy calculations indicated. The wings of the ’plane were badly smashed, but the hull was intact. After the ’plane had dropped anchor in the harbour where it was towed -by the submarine, the line broke and the craft drifted into' the breakers on a coral reef. The crew refused to leave the 'plane until she was brought safely ashore. Heavily bearded and tanned, the mien showed the effects of the nine days’ strain. They were without food and water supplies for four days. The fabric was torn off the machine by the buffeting of the waves and was used +o catch the rain. Heavy seas made matters uncomfortable, but only on one day was rough weather experienced, according to Commander Rodgers, The aircraft tender Pecan has gone to Kauai to tow the P.N. 1 ninety-five miles to Pearl Harbour, where a great ovation awaits the crew.