Balloon Britons ditch in Pacific
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.AN ATTEMPT by two Britons to circumnavigate the world by hot- air balloon ended early yes-terday with snow pouring over the capsule as it ditched into the Pacific Ocean 50 miles south-west of Tokyo.
Pilots Andy Elson and Colin Prescot were safe and well despite aborting their flight after circumventing China. They have set an unofficial world flight endurance record of 17 days, 18 hours and 25 minutes.
Mr Elson, 45, of Wells, Somerset, and Mr Prescot, 48, of Stockbridge, Hampshire, had gone 12,200 miles - more than two thirds of their intended course around the globe - since leaving Almeria in southern Spain on 17 February.
Speaking from the Japanese Self Defence Forces' base in Hamamatsu, Mr Prescot described how he screamed himself hoarse with instructions to Mr Elson, who sat on the roof of the capsule to guide them down. The two men were rescued second later by a Japanese military helicopter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments