BIG WELCOME TO SEA HERO

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26633, 19 January 1952, Page 8

BIG WELCOME TO SEA HERO

Captain Carlsen Back In New York (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) NEW YORK, January 17. Captain H. K. Carlsen, master of [he ill-fated Flying Enterprise, was given a tumultuous welcome by more than 250,000 New Yorkers in Broadway today. Ships’ whistles were blown in the harbour as Captain Carlsen was taken from Brooklyn to Manhattan eboard a Coast Guard cutter. Then he rode up Broadway while ticker tape poured down from buildings on either side. At the City Hall the Mayor (Mr Vincent Impellitteri) presented Captain Carlsen with the City's Medal of Honour and a scroll that lauded a captain “whose courage in facing alone the dangers of the sea has gained him the admiration of the world.” The Mayor said that Captain Carlsen had honoured the world because he had “enkindled in all of us renewed faith in the all-pervading strength and dignity of man.” Captain Carlsen refused a gold gift watch because he said, he did not want to capitalise on his stand against the sea. The watch was the gift of Mr John Groff, of Lancaster Pennsylvania, who inscribed it: “To a great American captain, Henrik Kurt Carlsen, for upholding the highest traditions of the sea.”

New York’s official greeter, Mr Grover Whalen, started to give it to Captain Carlsen, but he shook his head and whispered something ,to Mr Whalen. Mr Whalen then announced that Captain Carlsen had refused many gifts in Europe and wanted to t>e excused from accepting the watch. He added: “I am sure the gentleman in Lancaster will understand.” Captain Carlsen in a brief speech thanked New York for its tremendous welcome and then left for his home at Woodbridge. New Jersey.