EDMONDS, Wash. — As people boarded the Edmonds-Kingston ferry Friday, word began to spread among passengers about a serious breach in security.
"It's totally unacceptable," said one passenger.
Through a press release, Washington State Ferries confirmed a ferry worker is on administrative leave after reportedly being caught taking pictures of people in the women's restroom.
"Wow. That is scary, very, very scary," said passenger Susie Ayala. "That would freak me out. That would totally freak me out."
"I think it's absurd and obscene," exclaimed passenger Diane Dixon-Johnson.
A ferry spokeswoman called the act "reprehensible," adding, "The employee is not representative of our incredible workforce who safely move customers daily to their destinations."
She went on to say, "The employee has been removed from work and is on administrative leave until an investigation is complete. They will not be on WSF property – terminals or vessels – while the investigation is conducted."
"You would expect that they'd stay on top of something like that," posited Ayala.
The crime is alleged to have been committed on the Edmonds-Kingston run, but not much more is known.
The ferry service hasn't said when the act occurred, the age of the victim, or if it is an isolated incident.
More than 7,000 people ride the Edmonds-Kingston ferry every day. It's the system's third busiest crossing.
Female ferry passengers are demanding accountability.
"Oh, I think they should be prosecuted. I think they should definitely be prosecuted, not just let off. No, not at all," said Ayala.
"It's not the first time I've heard of a dreadful bathroom story, so I guess I always take pause, but there are stupid, crazy people out there," added Dixon Johnson.
The ferry service told KING 5 that it had contacted the victim's family and offered support and apologies.
The Coast Guard and Washington State Patrol are investigating.
