STRANGE VESSEL OFF BRITISH GUIANA

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 226, 20 June 1936, Page 9

STRANGE VESSEL OFF BRITISH GUIANA

Thought to be Girl Pat

DEPARTS AFTER THREAT TO POLICE LAUNCH

By Telegraph—Press Assn.— Copyright.

(Received June 19, 9 p.m.)

London, June 19.

The “Daily Mail’s” correspondent at Georgetown, British Guiana, says that a vessel closely answering to the description of the missing trawler Girl Pat was seen six miles out and making little headway. It eventually anchored and furled sails two miles out. zkn aeroplane flew over and report cd that the crew appeared to be signalling for help. A police launch then put out to investigate, but the stranger immediately hoisted its sails and made off after threatening to shoot and sink the launch if it did not clear off. The launch returned and reported that there were four naked men aboard Those on the launch could read the name “Miaora” painted on a lifebuoy.

As the launch approached, four halfnaked men set about weighing anchor. One called out “Who are you? What do you want?” “We are police officers and we want to know who you are,” was the answer “Get away,” thundered a voice from the deck. The launch twice approach! :1 near enough to board the vessel, but each time the crew threatened to tire and sink the launch if it did not sheer off. The situation was so threatening that the police temporised, asking, “Where are you from?" “Get away,” was the only answer. As it seemed clear that any boarding attempt would be resisted, the police desisted and the stranger put to sea. The authorities are considering sending an armed expedition to detain the vessel. Lloyd’s agent at Georgetown telegraphs he is "satisfied that the vessel is the Girl Pat.”