Most of the rescue vehicles have left the scene. Any word on the balloon launch?

FYI THURSDAY 22ND JUNE 2023 - FLIGHT UPDATE

The launch of the Transatlantic Balloon Challenge flight has been postponed due to the uncertainty of being able to avoid the Military Exercise area in the East Atlantic Ocean.
The weather in New Brunswick, Canada is looking to become unsettled in the next few days, making a launch of the Transatlantic Balloon Challenge unlikely. A further update will follow when we have a clearer idea of the weather going into next week.
In the meantime, we would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of support.

"THURSDAY 29TH JUNE 2023 - FLIGHT UPDATE

Taking into consideration the current forecasts available, the Transatlantic Balloon Challenge will sadly not launch before Wednesday 5th July. A further flight update will be posted on Tuesday 4th July."

https://www.transatlanticballoonchallenge.com/news

Flight Update 11th July.

in short may go tomorrow 13th depending on wind.

It’s a go today @ 0900 Sussex NB Atlantic Daylight Time

Fair winds!

All unwrapped and ready to go. I'll be heading down to the launch shortly, will post some pictures once I get settled at the airport - I'm flying to Shetland today, so just catching the launch with no time to spare! Everything looks good as soon as this little morning fog lifts.

CBC News report on the preparations:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-b...ssex-1.6885291

And they're off. Quick climb out and they vanished into the mist. Safe flying Debbie and Mike! You can follow them here.
https://www.gtctrack.com/s/BL10#history/assets

Great link. Thanks.

Past Moncton, 30+ mph, at 14,000 ft, and heading towards Prince Edward Island, and then open water,... Bon Voyage! :ok:

I'm sitting on a flight in Moncton and can't upload any pictures, because they're too large for this site. I'll be editing and putting up more on Facebook if anyone is interested. An incredible undertaking, by two very normal, focused individuals, with an amazing aircraft and an extremely well planned mission.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto...ibextid=Nif5oz

With my iPhone I can choose picture size before uploading here.
(Blocked. Don't do FB, apologies.)

PS Heading round to pass over Anne of Green Gables country! ?

Does the balloon have a transponder for ATC? Nothing seen on R24…

Great question, and the website has decent tracking.

Still, basic FR24 would be easier and less ads and...

Gums...

Wow !

I'll have the kettle on for you if you make landfall close by.

Making 20kph or so ATM and not entirely in the right direction.

Definitely slowed…

Due to problems with the balloon, Mike and Debbie had to make a forced, controlled landing in Newfoundland. They have been recovered by helicopter and are both safe and well.

Phew, at least they managed to get the brakes on anchor down safely while still some dry land left…!

Good to hear they are safe.