Home › Forums › Open Discussion › Ferry Police Escort?
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November 20, 2008 at 12:41 am #588771
NorEasterMemberRandom question but for the last week or so I’ve noticed two flashing blue lights (which I assume to be police boats) following closely behind a Seattle-Bainbridge (I’m pretty sure it’s not a Bremerton one) ferry sometimes early in the morning and always around dinner time. I see them from my balcony on Alki. Are they really police boats? And why are they escorting the ferry back and forth? Do they do that for “important” people? I’m so intrigued!!!
Thanks y’all!
November 20, 2008 at 1:10 am #647724
cjboffoliParticipantNorEaster: I’ve seen those little Coast Guard gunships (bare steel hull, orange cabin, .50 caliber gun mounted forward) escorting the ferries from time to time. Not sure if it is procedure or in response to a specific threat that they’re just not releasing to the public. Do you think that might be what you’re seeing?
November 20, 2008 at 1:22 am #647725
NorEasterMemberI don’t know because when I see them, I can only see the flashing blue light. I haven’t caught them in the daylight yet. But thanks for the response! I hope there’s no real threat…
November 20, 2008 at 1:27 am #647726
JiggersMemberThere was a bomb threat made yesterday on one of those runs, so I’m sure they are excersizing safety measures just in case until further notice. They also cruise with the ferry’s during summertime.
November 20, 2008 at 1:33 am #647727
NorEasterMemberReally?! That’s scary. Do you think there was a bomb threat last week too because I’ve def seen them for over a week?
November 20, 2008 at 2:05 am #647728
JoBParticipantI happen to know one of the young men still in training at the seattle coast guard station and it turns out the escort service is often a training exercise.
November 20, 2008 at 2:59 am #647729
herongrrrlParticipantMy maritime sweetie confirms that yes, the boats with the flashing blue lights at night that are escorting ferries are the little coast guard boats. They’ve been doing these escorts for a long time as part of Homeland Security, although they don’t always escort every route/run.
November 20, 2008 at 3:13 am #647730
NorEasterMemberThanks for the answers! Although I am still a little alarmed about he bomb threat someone mentioned…
November 20, 2008 at 3:47 am #647731
WSBKeymasterIt was thoroughly checked out and found to be unfounded (ample citywide-media coverage yesterday). The aforementioned Coast Guard training is often launched from Don Armeni here in West Seattle – many a day you can go over and see them launch. We had a pic last year
https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=1292
and a question we asked in that post was answered in a comment.
Shortly after that blurb, there was a deadly accident involving a CG member doing that work in WS waters.
November 20, 2008 at 3:59 am #647732
NorEasterMemberThen maybe the training isn’t what I’m seeing because the boats with flashing blue lights I see go with the ferry all the way, dock to dock…
November 20, 2008 at 6:55 am #647733
cjboffoliParticipantThose boats are very cool. Sturdy, stable and super fast. If I’m not mistaken they’re made somewhere on the West Coast. California?
November 20, 2008 at 3:30 pm #647734
HormelParticipantSAFE boat-pretty much a full-on testosterone ride. Pretty much indestructible. Made by a local company done good, in Port Orchard. I think they got a pretty good boost after 9-11.
November 20, 2008 at 4:25 pm #647735
GenHillOneParticipantThanks, Hormel, cool site and good for them; looks like they have a pretty diverse customer base actually. I especially like their slogan – “God, Country, and Fast Boats” lol, testosterone.
November 20, 2008 at 5:50 pm #647736
DunnoParticipantEscorts since 9/11/01. More during heavy commute hours. With shorter days, you are seeing the lights more.
Imagine one of our ferries blown up in the middle of Puget Sound. They are a target.
November 20, 2008 at 7:05 pm #647737
KenParticipantSecuruty theater like most of what “fatherland” security does.
I have no problem with the coast guard using it for training but trailing a ferry is going to do nothing but reassure the gullible public.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
— Juvenal
November 20, 2008 at 7:24 pm #647738
JenVMemberI know those escorts were NOT amused when my BF was jumping the ferry boat’s wake on his jetski summer before last. They pulled him over and told him he had to stay even further back than the 500 ft limit to working vessels…(he was at least 500 ft back) They had guns, so there was no argument there…. :)
November 20, 2008 at 8:15 pm #647739
JoBParticipanti got the impression from my young friend that those doing the escort duty consider it training for more sensitive missions…
and yes.. they take it VERY seriously.
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