WRECK AND DEAD CREW

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 144, 19 June 1936, Page 7

WRECK AND DEAD CREW

BAHAMAS DISCOVERY FATE OF THE GIRL PAT? (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] LONDON, June 17. A message received from Nassau, in the Bahamas, from Inagua island confirms the finding of a vessel wihich is believed to be the missing trawler Girl t’at, and adds that the sloop Dove was attracted to her b ythe sight of the British flag. The vessel was found badly damaged on a reef. Three bodies lay on a ledge nearby, and there were also found suitcases, a x Bible, and nautical instruments. The crew of the Dove buried the bodies The Bahamas Governnrent has cabled the nearest magistrate to proceed to Sumana Island and investigate. Mr. Jack Vincent, one of the Girl Pat’s owners, states: “We hear all sorts of fantastic stories, but this one seems genuine.” Skipper Osborne's wife is still hopeful that she will see her husband agai n. The object of the Girl Pat’s wand■erings is still one of the deepest sea mysteries. , On May 15 it was reported that Lloyd’s agents throughout the world had been asked to watch for the North Sea trawler Girl Pat. The Admiralty declared that the ship would be considered a pirate if it were proved that the captain and crew cf four had seized her. In that case it would be the duty of every ship flying the British flag to assist in apprehending the vessel. The trawler, equipped with the latest Diesel engines, left Dover on April 4 and put in at Corcubion, Spain, on April 12. It left nine days later after extensive repairs and without stating its destination. The owners, the Marstand Fishing Co., notified the underwriters on April 27 that they considered the ship a total loss. They explained that they had chosen the captain and he had picked his own crew. On May 18 the British steamer Avoceta advised Lloyd’s that when she was passing the Salvage Islands an anchored fishing vessel was seen answering to th-e description of the Girl Pat. Several beats were seen working close inshore. Lloyd’s thereupon instructed their Las Palmas representative to go to the Salvage Islands and investigate. Next it was reported that the ship had arrived at Dakar unexpectedly on May 23 and left on Mav 26 without officially clearing the port. Quantities of food and water were obtained, but not paid for. Then the ship was believed to be heading for Capetown, and an interview with the mate was reported in which he stated that treasure at Salvage Island was the goal. At sea 250 miles south of Daker, the trawler was sighted off the Bissagos Islands about June 1. After that the master of the American vessel Lorraine Cross, reported sighting her near Cayenne, flying a distress signal and reporting | herself out of fuel and food.