Victoria Clipper stolen, man arrested, police say

SEATTLE – Seattle police said a man was arrested Sunday after he allegedly stole a Victoria Clipper boat and headed out into the middle of Seattle’s Elliott Bay.

Sgt. Sean Whitcomb said the man did not have permission to be aboard the passenger ferry boat. The man was being questioned Sunday afternoon and was to be booked into King County Jail.

The boat was reported drifting about 300 yards from Pier 69 on the Seattle waterfront about 7 a.m.

Police said the U.S. Coast Guard and Seattle police were contacted when a tugboat was sent to retrieve it and a man was discovered on board. SWAT officers eventually boarded the boat and arrested the man.

Police said the man told police he took the boat because he wanted to go to West Seattle. They’re still trying to determine how he managed to commandeer the ship.

The Victoria Clipper provides ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, B.C.