THRILLING CHASE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 20 June 1936, Page 7

THRILLING CHASE

GIRL PAT CAPTURED TOWED TO GEORGETOWN CREW TAKEN TO POLICE HEADQUARTERS (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 20t:h June. 10.10 a.m.) GEORGETOWN, 19th June. A Government motor-ship captured the Girl Pat ami towed her to Georgetown, where she was guarded by armed police. 'The vessel was badly damaged, the stern being smashed. With the skipper cursing loudiy, the Girl Pat was docked and the crew taken to police headquarters. The arrest followed a thrilling chase. The police steamer was f.isiei. but the Givi Pat was manoeuvred more rapidly. The crew showed remarkable seamanship. Nine miles from Georgetown the vessel seemed on the point of out-manoeuvring its pursuers, who finally boarded her after I wo hours’ chase.

Although the .name Girl Pat was nowhere car the vessel, the crew admit her identity, but otherwise are not communicative.

VESSEL SIGHTED OFF BRITISH GUIANA POLICE LAUNCH THREATENED (Received 20th June, 9 a.m.) LONDON. 19th June. The “Daily Mail’s” correspondent at Georgetown, British Guiana, says that 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 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 four naked men were 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. Lloyd’s agent at Georgetown telegraphs that “he is satisfied the vessel is the Girl Pat.”

A search, for the North Sea trawler Girl Pat had been carried out since the trawler left Corcubion (Spain’) on 21st April. The owners had come to the conclusion that the master and crew had made off with tne ship. On 13th June the master of vn American steamer reported that a vessel believed to be the Girl Pat bad been seen flying distress signals near Cayenne.