Still No Sign Of Missing USA2 Balloon From Gordon Bennett Race

The search and rescue operation continued through the day Thursday for Gordon Bennett Race pilots Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis, Team USA2, balloon registration N801NM. The pilots are American citizens.

File Photo

The Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) have been very proactive in their search using one aircraft, four boats and one helicopter to search sea and coastal areas.

The Italian MRCC has been extremely thorough in their operations, but unfortunately all items found have not been related to the search. The MRCC have the support of the Croatian and Greek Search and Rescue authorities.

In a news release, race organizers expressed their gratitude to the US Consulate in Naples who has designated assets to the search operation.

Immediate and extended family of both pilots politely request that the media do not make contact with them. They do, however, appreciate the efforts of all who are raising the profile of the incident which is helping the search to gain momentum. Both families are most grateful to all who have sent their good wishes and messages of support, and apologize that they will not be able to reply individually.

FMI: www.gordonbennett2010.com