IFA ferry returns to Ketchikan after cabbie accidentally stows away on voyage to Hollis

Chairs fill the forward salon on the Inter-Island Ferry Authority’s 198-foot ferry Stikine. (Eric Stone/KRBD)

A ferry bound for Prince of Wales Island had to turn around Tuesday afternoon after a taxi driver accidentally stowed away.

Inter-Island Ferry Authority General Manager Ron Curtis said in a text message that the ferry Stikine had to return to Ketchikan when the cabbie failed to disembark after helping their passenger load a 70-inch TV onto the ferry.

The stowaway’s voyage didn’t last long — the vessel made a U-turn in the Tongass Narrows about 10 minutes after it departed, according to vessel tracking software. After discharging the extra passenger, the Stikine departed again for Hollis at about 3:45 p.m.