◆ SpookStack

Novotny, according to INS, which was advised by the Cunard Lines, booked passage aboard the "Queen Mary" on 5/31/61 under the name of Mrs. R. Tyson, address Essex House, C/O J. Lear, 30 Bouverie Street, London, England. She had not boarded the Queen Mary in the normal procedure through the Embarkation Officer and it appeared she had gone aboard the "Queen Mary" as a visitor without clearing her ticket through the Embarkation Officer. She occupied first class cabin B-63 under name of Mrs. R. Tyson. Her identity was discovered after the ship left NYC and the British Immigration Officer was advised. She identified herself to him as Maria Novotny and since she was a British subject she was permitted to leave the ship on 6/4/61 at Southhampton where she was met by her husband Horace Dibpben and her mother Estelle Capes. After her arrival in England, the "News of the World” published several stories re her activities in the U.S. with Towers, and her escape from the U.S,