Spicoli springs into leakage

At last, a bit of relief from the unremitting tension, drama and recriminations that have been the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans can rest easy now that Sean Penn is on the case.

EFFORTS by Hollywood actor Sean Penn to aid New Orleans victims stranded by Hurricane Katrina foundered badly overnight, when the boat he was piloting to launch a rescue attempt sprang a leak.

Penn had planned to rescue children waylaid by Katrina's flood waters, but apparently forgot to plug a hole in the bottom of the vessel, which began taking water within seconds of its launch.

The actor, known for his political activism, was seen wearing what appeared to be a white flak jacket and frantically bailing water out of the sinking vessel with a red plastic cup.

Apparently bystanders found the sight amusing.

Memo to Mr. Penn: Ditch the entourage, grab and flight back to Hollywood and write a big fat check to one of the professional organizations that have experience in such things.