Toy Submarine Holds Ferry Terminal Hostage For Hours

There was just footage all over the TV news of a suspected explosive device at the Steilacoom ferry dock, complete with bomb squad guys dressed in their big pillow suits and Johnny 5 the suspicious package handler, however, Seattlest barely had time to start formulating an Escape From McNeil Island fantasy before the device was discovered to be just some kid's homemade submarine. Cool toy--we wonder how well it worked--but taped up segments of PVC probably aren't something you want to lose track of.

From the News Tribune:

Police used a remote-control robot to examine the device, which sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said looked like a bomb.

In the meantime, heavy media coverage of the disruption caused by the investigation was seen by some your residents who came to the dock area and told authorities what had happened. They said they'd taped some plastic pipes together a few days ago but lost track of it. The toy apparently floated to the ferry dock and became lodged under an entryway.