Pals Alan and Lloyd had their seagoing spirits tested when their small boat sank in the Fore River, according to the Portland Evening Express article on September 28th, 1936. Allan violated a prime navigational rule when he leaned over their boat to touch a bridge piling. He fell in and the boat filled with water and sank. Both boys were rescued by local fishermen.

Allan decided to give up on future nautical adventures while Lloyd was more determined than ever to be a sailor. The fifth grade boys were photographed on the steps of Lincoln School in South Portland.