Update: Southworth ferry dock open again, after deadly car-into-water incident

(Refresh for newest image from WSF camera at Southworth dock)
6:37 PM: Happening in Southworth, but no doubt affecting Fauntleroy ferries: Washington State Ferries says the Southworth dock is closed right now because of “law enforcement activity.” Via Twitter, the Kitsap Sun reports this is a case of a vehicle gone into the water. (You might also see air activity related to this – at least one TV helicopter has headed that way.)

6:55 PM: No one has confirmed whether anyone was in the vehicle, which at least one witness says crashed through the barricade at the dock’s end.

7:20 PM: An update:

The vehicle is in 60 feet of water.

7:47 PM: WSP says the body of the vehicle’s driver, who was believed to be in it alone, has been recovered. SFD divers are reported to have assisted.

8:01 PM: WSF projects it will be a few hours before the dock reopens – which won’t happen, they say, until the vehicle is pulled from the water. In the meantime, ferries are running only between Fauntleroy and Vashon, and the Seattle-Bremerton run from Colman Dock downtown is recommended as a detour for those trying to get to Kitsap County.

9:40 PM: WSF says the Southworth dock likely will be closed until morning.

11:06 PM: The vehicle has been pulled from the water. Christine Clarridge from The Seattle Times (WSB partner) tweeted a photo and describes the vehicle as a silver Ford Escape.

11:25 PM: WSF says the dock is open again and service to Southworth restored.

14 Replies to "Update: Southworth ferry dock open again, after deadly car-into-water incident"

  • TW October 3, 2014 (7:12 pm)

    WA News Junkie on Twitter (https://twitter.com/WA_News_Junkie) has a pretty thorough account of what is turning out to be a sad story.

    • WSB October 3, 2014 (7:16 pm)

      I saw that person’s initial tweets (and your comment sent me back, interesting documentation of everything). I don’t know who s/he is but the only part about which I would be cautious is assuming the driver intentionally went through. Maybe slight, but there could be a chance it was a medical problem … as with some of the cases in which cars crash into buildings. This of course would be a lot more of a needle-threading situation. But they teach us to not assume .. TR

  • Mike October 3, 2014 (7:14 pm)

    Seattle Fire has sent multiple units to Southworth. Curious as to why.

  • ScubaFrog October 3, 2014 (7:39 pm)

    Great point, WSB – you’re absolutely right, a lot of people have jumped to one conclusion, and so many other potential explanations exist.

    How sad. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  • sc October 3, 2014 (8:31 pm)

    Whatever happened our thoughts are with the victims family.
    And many thanks to all who were part of the rescue effort.

  • dsa October 3, 2014 (8:37 pm)

    He could have had a spasm or something and not react in time, or not be able to react. Will they call it a suicide if there is no note or other evidence left behind?

  • Alki October 3, 2014 (9:46 pm)

    Saw SPD harbor patrol racing full speed that way passed Alki this eve and wondered why they were headed that far out. Very sad.

  • Salt Spray October 3, 2014 (10:56 pm)

    Suicide or no, it’s still a medical issue. So much pain for everyone involved.

    Left turn. We are noticing the total ABSENCE OF MOTORCYCLE NOISE with the ferry not serving Southworth tonight. Hmmmm.

  • russ October 4, 2014 (12:23 am)

    Loud pipes save lives

  • russ October 4, 2014 (12:26 am)

    Comment was in response to motorcycle noise, sorry if it originally sounded insensitive. Our thoughts go out to the victim and his family/friends.

  • GlennS October 4, 2014 (12:23 pm)

    Sorry, Russ. As a 300-day-a-year biker, I’ll keep my 80dba stock pipes, and my hi-viz jacket and helmet with my head on a swivel. In these days of hyperinsulated cars , 120db stereos, and cellphone mania, the *only* way to stay alive is to ride defensively, and be *seen*, not heard. Depending on your straight pipes to save you is just obnoxious.

    I really need to get more lights for the Vulcan. Too bad I can’t do like the pedal-bikers do, and strobe up… you *can’t* miss those guys, especially in the winter… flashy-flashy-retro-reflective, next best thing to ambulance lights…

  • Josh October 4, 2014 (1:17 pm)

    To add to what GlennS said, defensive driving would have saved this Harley rider’s life:

    http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/motorcyclist-killed-in-collision-identified_77885156

  • Wsrez October 4, 2014 (11:27 pm)

    My house sits pretty high on west seattle hill and I could see the police activity across the water last night. Thanks for reporting, WSB- so sad.

  • ltfd October 5, 2014 (9:19 am)

    “Seattle Fire has sent multiple units to Southworth. Curious as to why”.

    It was a mutual aid request for a Dive Team.

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