A bid to cross the Atlantic for the first time in an open basket hydrogen balloon has been scuppered by the weather seven hours after launch. British explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams, 67, set off from Presque Isle, Maine, with American balloon manufacturer Bert Padelt, 62, and Swiss scientist and entrepreneur Dr Frederik Paulsen, 72. The three aeronauts lifted off in the Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer Balloon to cheers from supporters at around 10.30pm on Friday local time or 3.
It was a very difficult decision and they are obviously extremely disappointed but safety is obviously paramount. 'They flew for about seven hours, the highest level they flew at was 10,000 feet and about 125 nautical miles in distance.' Read more on Sky News:New York Times calls on Biden to quit raceAlec Baldwin faces trial over fatal Rust shooting She confirmed they would attempt the challenge again when conditions permitted.