by The Associated Press
Ferry officials have told the Coast Guard and State Patrol about two groups of men taking extensive videotapes on state ferries in the past 10 days.
Four men who appeared to be of Middle Eastern descent were videotaping, taking notes and talking on cellphones during two round trips June 24 on the ferry Spokane between Edmonds and Kingston, said Susan Harris of the Washington State Ferries.
“They seemed to be filming more of the interior of the cabin rather than the normal tourist filming, which is always the exterior,” she said. They became agitated when they were told to leave the vessel at each terminal as required, she said.
On Wednesday, a different group of men appearing to be of Middle Eastern descent took extensive videotapes on the ferry Tacoma between Bainbridge and Seattle, she said.
“There’s no proof that there’s anything to be concerned about, it’s just that we’re on heightened alert,” Harris said.
The incidents have been reported to the Washington State Patrol, which handles law enforcement on the ferries because they are considered part of the highway system.
State Patrol officials were not immediately available for comment late yesterday.