THE S.S. REPUBLICAN ARROGANCE HITS A SNAG

After cruising along unimpeded for six years, the S.S. Republican Arrogance yesterday hit a snag that tore a hole in the aft portion of the ship. Although Capt. Georgi Shrubinski has portrayed the damage as "minor" to the passengers and ship's owners, reports from the scene indicate he has jettisoned important cargo to lighten the ship's load and adjust the ballast. While Shrubinski's actions have had the desired effect, the Arrogance is still dead in the water and salvers say it could be two years or more before they can recover the vessel and make it seaworthy. Other informed sources say, however, that it could be eight or even 12 years before the ship can be returned to flagship status. Until that happens, the Arrogance has been re-assigned to garbage-scow duties. Shrubinski was on his last voyage before his retirement. Although he is descended from a line of captains, Shrubinski's career has been plagued by failure and, some would say, incompetence.