World | Italy Italy Ends Search for US Balloonists 'No hope' of finding Americans alive: officials By Nick McMaster Posted Oct 4, 2010 3:42 PM CDT Copied Hot air balloons fill the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010. (AP) Italian police canceled the search for two balloonists who went missing six days ago while flying over the Mediterranean, the Telegraph reports, with authorities saying there was "no hope" of finding them alive. The pair, who are American citizens, disappeared while flying through a patch of thunderstorms during a race over Europe. Italian officials said they "almost certainly" fell into the Mediterranean sea. Read These Next Defense officials react to Hegseth's Quantico meeting. Colorado wants to give 'peace of mind' on Hunter S. Thompson. Government shutdown is here. Here's what to expect. President asks nation's top generals to loosen up. Report an error