59 p.m. asking for assistance, and destroyers were
dispatched immediately to the scene. Later messages were
received indicating that the position was very acute, as head
winds were being encountered and petrol was running short. The
airship, however, struggled on, and though at one time the
possibility of landing at Montauk, at the northern end of Long
Island, was considered, she managed after a night of considerable
anxiety to reach Mineola and land there in safety on July 6th at
9.55 a.m. (British summer time). The total duration of the
outward voyage was 108 hours 12 minutes, and during this time
some 3,136 sea miles were covered. R 34 remained at Mineola
until midnight of July 9th according to American time. During
the four days in which she was moored out variable weather was
experienced, and in a gale of wind the mooring point was torn
out, but fortunately,another trail rope was dropped and made
fast,and the airship did not break away.
It was intended that the return should be delayed until daylight,
in order that spectators in New York should obtain a good view of
the airship, but an approaching storm was reported and the
preparations were advanced for her immediate departure. During
the last half-hour great difficulty was experienced in holding
the ship while gassing was completed.
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