Wife Says Lost Balloonist Sent Last Radio Call

The wife of a missing American balloonist says her husband was able to get off a final transmission and prepare for an emergency sea landing off the Italian coast.

Nancy Abruzzo of Albuquerque told The Associated Press on Friday that aircraft and ships continue searching for her husband Richard and his co-pilot Carol Rymer Davis.

Both were participating in the 54th Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race when contact was lost Wednesday morning over the Adriatic Sea.

Nancy Abruzzo, in Bari to monitor the search, says she has to stay focused and keep positive thoughts about rescuing her husband of 15 years.