GIRL PAT CAPTURED.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 June 1936, Page 5

GIRL PAT CAPTURED.

THRILLING CHASE BY POLICE. PURSUERS NEARLY BEATEN AGAIN. (By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright) (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) GEORGETOWN, June 19. A Government motorship captured the Girl Pat and towed her to Georgetown where she was guarded by armed police. The vessel was badly damaged, the stern being smashed. With the skipper ; cursing loudly, the Girl Pat was docked and the crew taken to police headquarters. The arrest followed a thrilling chase by the police steamer, which was the faster of the two, but the Girl Pat was manoeuvred more rapidly, the crew showing remarkable seamanship. Nine miles from Georgetown the vessel seemed to be on the point of outmanoeuvring the pursuers, who finally boarded her after a two-hour chase. Although the name Girl Pat was nowhere on the vessel, the crew admit her. identity, but otherwise they were not communicative. i STRANGE VESSEL AND DESPERATE CREW. HALF-NAKED MEN THREATEN POLICE.

Received Friday, 9 p.m. LONDON, June 19. The Daily Mail’s correspondent at Georgetown, British Guiana, says a vessel closely answering to the description of the Girl Pat was seen six miles out making little headway. It eventually anchored and furled sails two miles out. An aeroplane flew over and reported that the crew appeared to be signalling for help. A police launch put out to investigate but the stranger immediately hoisted sail and made oif 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. The authorities are considering sending an armed expedition to detain her. Lloyds’ agent at Georgetown telegraphs that he is satisfied the vessel is the Girl Pat.

Later details show that as the launch approached four half-naked men set about weighing anchor. One called out: "Who are you? What do you want?” "We are police officers. We want to know who you are. ’ ’ "Get away,” thundered a voice from the deck. The ’launch twice approached near enough to board the vessel, but each time the crew threatened to fire 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.