New Britain herald., 1925-09-02
Navy Ships And Air Machines Bombing Waters l50 Miles From Maui Where P. N. g No. 1 Was Last Heard From.
OFFICERS HOPEFUL
 OF FINAL SUCCESS


 San Francisco, Sept. 2 R,-Fit. teen hours after the last word had been received from the missing sea- plane, the PN-9 No. 1, which failed or us San Francisco Honolulu non stop flight because of a shortag % oy fuel, Captain Moses, commander of the flight project, was without word as to the fate Of the plane and its crew.
 Maintaining the optimism he has leit since the giant seaplane bearing Commander Rodgers and hi, four courageous fliers was reported miss ing, Captain Moses expressed the be- lief that the aircraft and Is person- nel will be found soon after day- break today.
 Last word from the plane was .t 4:12 yesterday afternoon, when ft was given compass bearings. It was then believed to be about 150 miles from the Isle of Maui.
 Lahaina, Island of Maui, Sept. 'A9-Three naval seaplanes took off from Lahaina roadstead at the first perceptible break of dawn today and flew toward the eastern horizon in a determined effort to learn the fate Of the missing seaplane PN-9. Conditions for the search were greatly improved over those of last night when rain and rough seas made survival doubtful of the five airmen who Monday started on scheduled nonstop flight from San Francisco 10 Honolulu. The first message received here from the three seapanes today said clearing weather permitted them an unobstructed view for miles and that the ocean had calmed down a,i- vantageously. There was no visible trace, however, of the missing sea- plane.
 With todays searching seaplanes navy officials assigned half dozen submarines, several destroyers and other craft, which steamed out to the east in fan formation. Officials continued optimistic that the mis- sing aviators would be rescued, de- spite the lapse of more than IS hours since the PN-9 No. i radio- cast her last message.
 Throughout the night three de- stroyers engaged in systematic search of the area in which the sea- plane was believed forced down. They steamed in gradually expand ing circles until hundred miles had been navigated, playing their pow erful searchlights to either side, but without finding the obtect of their search.
 The U. S. & Aroostook, airplane tender In the rescue area, succeeded in launching a scouting plane at o'clock this morning.
 Washington. Sept. R-The navy department was informed in a mes- sage today that search was continu. ing for the PN-9 No. i, the big sea- plane lost en route from San Fran cisco to Hawaii, and that the PMS No. 3, which was forced down 500 miles out from the starting point, was expected 10 arrive at San Frans cisco at 8 o'clock this morning, Pa- ciflc time.
 NO sight so far of PN-s No. i. but search is progressing expedi. t'ously and thoroughly" the messag ge said.
 PN-s. No. S Back
 San Francisco, Sept. 2 dP - The destroyer William Jones was req ported by the marine department of the chamber of commerce entering the Golden Gate at 7:15 a. m. with an airplane In tow.
 The plane being lowed in Is the PN-9 No. 8. which gave up the non stop flight endeavor and was forced down about 300 miles out on ths route from San Francisco to Hono- lulu on account of oil pressure feed trouble affecting both engines. The U. S. ship Corry also Is head. cd In, bringing sailor who was stricken with appendicitis.