Toolbox Triggers Ferry Scare

SEATTLE - The Washington state ferry Tacoma was taken out of service for more than 2½ hours Thursday evening while a "suspicious box" was checked out.

It turned out to be a toolbox, Washington State Ferries spokeswoman Susan Harris said.

The ferry, which serves the busy Seattle-to-Bainbridge Island run, missed two round trips after the ferry crew reported the mystery box at one end of the boat's passenger cabin.

The Washington State Patrol, which is in charge of security on the ferries, brought in a bomb-sniffing dog, then gave the all-clear at 10:15 p.m., Harris said.

The second boat on the run, the Wenatchee, continued in service while the Tacoma was checked out.

It wasn't immediately known who left the box on the boat, Harris said.