Threat forces Bremerton ferry evacuation
BREMERTON, Wash. -- The Washington State Ferry Hyak was evacuated Wednesday afternoon after a threatening message was found on a bathroom mirror.
The threat was discovered around 12:15 p.m., said Marta Coursey with the Washington State Ferries. The ferry and the terminal were evacuated as a precaution.
The bomb squad was called in, and officers set up a 200 yard perimeter around the terminal.
Video from Air 4 showed bomb sniffing dogs being brought on board on the boat.
The 12:35 sailing from Bremerton was canceled, and the inbound 12:45 sailing from Seattle was diverted to Bainbridge Island.
Police gave the all clear two hours later, and service resumed at 2:30 p.m.
"It's unfortunate that people feel the need to perpetrate a hoax and waste both tax payer money and resources," said Lt. Ron Owens, spokesperson for Coast Guard Sector Seattle, in a statement.
"We take all threats very seriously. On the bright side, we were able to come together as a team rather quickly to be at the ready for the safety of the passengers of the Washington State Ferry system."
Wednesday was the second evacuation of the Hyak at the Bremerton terminal in the last three months.
In November, the ferry was evacuated and searched after a man called 911 to report that he overheard two men at a convenience store discussing a terrorist threat against a Bremerton ferry. Nothing threatening was found.
More information: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
The threat was discovered around 12:15 p.m., said Marta Coursey with the Washington State Ferries. The ferry and the terminal were evacuated as a precaution.
The bomb squad was called in, and officers set up a 200 yard perimeter around the terminal.
Video from Air 4 showed bomb sniffing dogs being brought on board on the boat.
The 12:35 sailing from Bremerton was canceled, and the inbound 12:45 sailing from Seattle was diverted to Bainbridge Island.
Police gave the all clear two hours later, and service resumed at 2:30 p.m.
"It's unfortunate that people feel the need to perpetrate a hoax and waste both tax payer money and resources," said Lt. Ron Owens, spokesperson for Coast Guard Sector Seattle, in a statement.
"We take all threats very seriously. On the bright side, we were able to come together as a team rather quickly to be at the ready for the safety of the passengers of the Washington State Ferry system."
Wednesday was the second evacuation of the Hyak at the Bremerton terminal in the last three months.
In November, the ferry was evacuated and searched after a man called 911 to report that he overheard two men at a convenience store discussing a terrorist threat against a Bremerton ferry. Nothing threatening was found.
More information: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries