Washington Boater Nearly Strikes 2 Ferries, Crashes Into Rocks In Suspected BUI

Authorities in Washington say a boat with an unconscious driver nearly struck two ferries before crashing into a rocky embankment over the weekend.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said that at around 5 p.m. on May 1, a 911 caller reported that a boat was traveling at a high rate of speed while the sole occupant appeared to be passed out. The caller stated the vessel nearly collided with two ferries before crashing into a large rock near the Steilacoom Ferry Dock, southwest of Tacoma.

A video shared by the sheriff’s office shows the boat tipped nearly vertical where it came to rest on a large rocky embankment.

The sheriff’s office Marine Services Unit arrived to find the 21-year-old man operating the boat had already been pulled from the scene by West Pierce Fire and Rescue and personnel from Steilacoom Public Safety.

The sheriff’s office said alcohol bottles were “littered throughout the boat” and the man “smelled of intoxicants,” creating reasonable suspicion of boating under the influence. The man, whose identity was not immediately released, was arrested for BUI.

A large wrecker and flatbed tow truck were called to the scene to remove the vessel from the rocks and it was impounded, the sheriff’s office said.