The Inter-Island Ferry Authority’s Stikine sails through Ketchikan’s Tongass Narrows. (Ed Schoenfeld/CoastAlaska)
A U.S. Coast Guard investigation found an incident in which a Ketchikan taxi driver accidentally stowed away on a ferry bound for Prince of Wales Island resulted in a breach of security. Coast Guard Lt. Allen Vorholt of Marine Safety Detachment Ketchikan says investigators interviewed the captain and crew of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority vessel Stikine on Thursday.
“Our investigation has determined that the incident resulted in a breach of security, but thankfully the vessel was quickly able to return to the pier and disembark the individual. We are working with the company to help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future,” Vorholt said.
IFA General Manager Ron Curtis said that the cab driver was helping a passenger load a 70-inch TV onto the ferry Tuesday afternoon and “didn’t get off the boat in a timely fashion.”
The Stikine made a U-turn and brought the cabbie back to Ketchikan shortly after departing. It arrived in Hollis on Prince of Wales Island just a few minutes behind schedule.
Curtis said Thursday that the ferry system conducted a mandatory review of its security plan with employees as a result of the incident, but he said no crew members will face discipline.
