Gaddafi sends balloonist's bid for world record off course
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.The attempt by the American millionaire Steve Fossett to fly a balloon around the world were punctured yesterday by the refusal of the Libyan authorities to allow his to fly over the country.
He will now have to take a longer route around the southern tip of country which is led by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The detour which is almost certain to force him to land before he completes his circumnavigation.
"He's not giving up. He's going to continue," said a spokeswoman at the ground control in Loyola University, Chicago, last night.
Mr Fossett's is the third attempt in a fortnight to be first to circle the world by balloon. The first, by a team including Richard Branson, failed just 19 hours after taking off in Morocco. The second ended after six hours.
Bo Kemper, the project manager at the ground control, said that the extra fuel necessary will mean that the balloon would probably have to put down in India. The consolation, he said, was that Mr Fossett will probably set a solo endurance record by balloon.
His attempt is a distinctly low-profile one compared to those of the previous two failures: he is flying alone, rather than in a team, and his balloon is smaller and flying at a lower height.
"The team and Steve are very disappointed." Mr Kemper said. "But it has been an unbelievably successful trip. The equipment worked 100 per cent. The weather was working 100 per cent. The only thing that didn't work was political."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments