The 'America' airship in the Atlantic, 1911

The 'America' airship in the Atlantic, 1911. Colour print showing the crew of the 'America' airship, which made an abortive attempt to fly the Atlantic in 1911. On 15 October 1911, Wellman's airship left Atlantic City, New Jersey, bound for Europe. After travelling 100 miles out to sea, the airship hit heavy fog and lost radio communication with the mainland. The bad weather continued and the crew gave up all hope of reaching Europe. Although the America passed several vessels, it was unable to establish a communication link. Eventually the crew managed to contact the Royal Mail Steam Ship Trent via Morse lamp and were rescued from the water after setting down in their lifeboat. Dimensions: 235mm x 280mm. ©SSPL/Science Museum