Boater who nearly hit 2 ferries before running aground near Steilacoom arrested
A 21-year-old Bellevue man was arrested on suspicion of driving a boat under the influence of alcohol after he was spotted passed out and driving erratically at high speed before nearly colliding with two ferries and crashing into a rocky embankment near the Steilacoom Ferry Dock, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday.
The man has not been named by the Sheriff’s Office because he had not been formally charged, said spokesperson Carly Cappetto. Toxicology reports are pending, but, “Alcohol bottles could be seen littered throughout the boat, and the male smelled of intoxicants,” she said.
Video of the Friday, May 1, incident posted to the Pierce County Ferry Discussion Group on Facebook shows a motorboat cutting off a Pierce County ferry as it returned from Anderson Island around 5 p.m. before veering around in front of another ferry docked at Steilacoom. The boat swerved around that ferry, nearly running underneath it, before crashing into the rocky shoreline, sending the boat nearly vertical. The driver, who was the only person aboard, could be seen being jolted out of his seat and into the water. He got up and was able to sit on the rocks a couple seconds later.
Cappetto said the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Units responded, along with West Pierce Fire & Rescue and personnel from the Steilacoom Department of Public Safety.
“No major injuries were sustained by the operator. There was reasonable suspicion of DUI, and the male was taken into custody for DUI. A flatbed tow and a large wrecker to remove the vessel from the water and rocks had to be called to the scene. The boat was removed and impounded. Ferry delays were caused by the incident,” she said via email. “This incident serves as an important reminder not to drink and boat as our 2026 boating season has just opened. This operator is very lucky that no one was hurt and that he didn’t die.”
Connor Davis, with Pierce County, confirmed the 5:15 p.m. ferry departure from Steilacoom was delayed for 18 minutes.
“Subsequent sailings had minimal delays, and they were ‘caught up’ to the normal schedule within a few runs,” Davis said.
