RATING’S PRANK WITH HYDROPLANE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25308, 7 October 1947, Page 7

RATING’S PRANK WITH HYDROPLANE

ADMIRAL’S BARGE AND GIG IN PURSUIT

(Rec. 9 p.m ) NEW YORK, October 5. The admiral’s barge and the captain’s gig from H.M.S. Sheffield, anchored in Annapolis roads, Maryland, pursued up the Severn river thia evening a British sailor who apparently had commandeered a hydroplane from the cruiser. The excitement began when a small highpowered boat was seen to push off from the Sheffield. The sailor in the hydroplane made a few enthusiastic turns in the chpppy water and then pulled alongside one of the many pleasure yachts on tne Severn and called out: “Hello, how’s everything?” He pulled away and hailed other yachts, always with the same question. Considerable activity was then' noticed aboard the Sheffield. The captain’s; gig went over the side and gave chase, but *it was soon apparent that it was too slow. The gig was then reinforced by the resplendent black-and-chromium barge. ft was too slow also. The sailor continued to circle about, his cheery “How’s everything?” drawing cheers from hundreds who watched the pursuit. The gig and the admiral’s barge attempted to corner the hydroplane and force it ashore, but the sailor escaped an. I went speeding up the river. As darkness fell people along the riverfront could hear the putt-putt of the hydroplane always well ahead of the pursuing gig and barge and occasional “How’s everything?” could be heard on the Severn.