SHIPS IN DISTRESS (?).

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 61, 7 March 1912, Page 4

SHIPS IN DISTRESS (?).

WAS IT A HOAX ? Shortly after nine o’clock last night (says yesterday’s Paten “Press”) the matron of the Hospital rung up from the Alton Telephone bureau and informed that a person had just arrived in great haste to say that a ship was in distress at sea off the coast, in a direct line from Alton, and that rockets had been sent up for some considerable time. The informant asked that the authorities be informed with a view to assistance being rendered as speedily as possible. The matron thereuppn rang up Mr P. A. Walker, who at once communicated with the police and postal authorities who proceeded to make enquiries, but could obtain no confirmation of the report. Constable Armur accompanied by Mr Patrick, collector of customs, drove as far as the Electric Light power station, where they had a view of the whole coast line, but could see nothing. Capt. Tinney, the Harbour Board’s pilot, was also communicated with, but he too was unable to see any signs of the alleged distressed vessel. Shortly after midnight the excited throng of townspeople who had gathered together to render what assistance might be needed, gradually dispersed, the majority leaving with a feeling that somehow or another they bad been badlv hoaxed.