Former rescuers recall five-day Navy search after Free Life vanished

Brad Lowen, who said he was serving aboard a submarine ordered to search south of Greenland, described the conditions and scope of the Navys effort: “We spent 5 days out there, in search and rescue looking for this balloon, and I have to say, I spent 4 years on that boat, and I have to say that this was probably the worst weather that Ive ever experienced.” He told the program the seas often broke over the periscope and visibility was poor, making radar and sonar nearly useless.

Archivist Jeannie Henderson recounted the last radio message from the crew, saying the team reported, “Were at 600 feet and descending. We request search and rescue.” Dan Retina, who covered the launch in local papers, and other attendees described how family-paid searches and community efforts continued after official agencies ceased active operations. Speakers emphasized that despite exhaustive efforts, neither the gondola nor the occupants were recovered.