On July 1, at 1:32 p.m. the San Juan County Sheriff’s office received a call from a Washington State Ferries worker about a bomb threat aboard the Elwha, according to Sheriff Ron Krebs.

A ferry employee found a suspicious note inside one of the women’s restrooms that contained information about a bomb. The U.S. Coast Guard determined the vessel should be tied up to the Friday Harbor dock and all personnel evacuated. The boat was empty of all passengers and vehicles at the time the staff disembarked.

All ferry service in and out of Friday Harbor was shut down awaiting arrival of the Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad. At 5:30 p.m., Deer Harbor Charters took Orcas Islanders home from Friday Harbor at no cost.

With the help of the bomb disposal teams from the King County Sheriff’s Office,Washington State Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard, K-9 bomb detection teams went aboard the vessel. At approximately 6:30 p.m., the Elwha was determined to be clear of any explosive hazards. The bomb disposal teams found nothing suspicious and at 7 p.m. ferry services continued. An investigation by the Washington State Patrol will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the note.

If you have any information into the incident please call the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office at 360-378-4151.