GIRL PAT MYSTERY

Evening Star, Issue 22351, 29 May 1936, Page 9

GIRL PAT MYSTERY

THE MATE'S STORY NAVIGATION BY SIXPENNY ATLAS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, May 27. The 1 Daily Mail’s 1 Dakar correspondent says the Girl Pat is now believed to bo heading for Cape Town. When she called at Dakar Captain Osborne came ashore and told the harbourmaster that he wanted to restock the vessel with food and have the engines repaired. The authorities were discussing what action could be taken, when suddenly the trawler slipped out to sea again, leaving behind the mate, Harry Stone, also unpaid bills. Stone, who was interviewed, said: “ When we set out from Grimsby we did not go (ishing, as supposed, but made straight for Dover, where we put the engineer ashore because he was becoming restless. The engines broke down soon after leaving Calais. We managed to patch them up, but they broke down again, and we were forced to use sail. The vessel called at Luges, Spain, where wo bought a sixpenny atlas, with the aid of which we managed to reach Vigo. We then went to Concubion, where we stayed 15 days and had a grand time. The maritime authorities lent us money. We slept all day and spent the nights in cafes. We then struck some uninhabited islands and stayed on one for three days mending sails, after which we hugged the African coast to Cape Blanco, where we renewed the provisions, but these and part of the vessel’s equipment were stolen while we were ashore._ We tried to get more food at Port Etienne, but were unable to do so because we had no money. All we had on board before calling at Dakar was three bottles of water, a little wine, and a tin of milk for five men. I'am through with adventures and am glad to be out of it.” Stone is reported to have told Dakar port officials that the crew intended to sell tho vessel and divide the money.

UNDERWRITERS TO SETTLE CLAIM. LONDON, May 28. (Received May 29 at 1.30 a.m.) It is understood that a majority of underwriters have agreed to settle the claim for £3,600 for the total loss of the Girl Pat, as the expenses of the attempt to recover her are mounting up. The legal process at any ports into which she puts is necessarily slow and expensive. If recovered before settlement of the claim the owners will take possession, otherwise tho vessel will bo sold, tho proceeds going to the underwriters as salvage.

TREASURE HUNT THE OBJECT DAKAR, May 28. (Received May 29, at 10 a.m.) Stone disclosed that a treasure hunt was the object of the Girl Pat. It was unsuccessfully aimed at the Salvage Islands.