SOUTHWORTH, Wash. — A man died Friday night after driving his SUV through a barricade and into the water at the Southworth ferry terminal.
The driver, in his 60’s and from Belfair, was pulled from his 2012 Ford Escape after he was underwater about 45 minutes, Washington State Patrol officials said.
The man was driving between 30 and 40 mph, according to witnesses who saw it happen just after 6 p.m. Friday.
Police say the man drove around one crossing arm and then through another closer to the dock.
"When he went over the edge, he dropped about 60 feet down," said Sgt. Pete Stock with Washington State Patrol.
"It appeared to be like it was intentional,” said Stock.
A dive team went into the water to search for him and he was pulled out, unconscious.
Ferries were delayed for hours in and out of Southworth.
"Little frustrating to show up here and get turned away at the last minute,” said Matt Hahn, who showed up with his wife and two children.
"They're not too happy, this is going to be a rough rest of the night,” added Hahn.
As of 11:30 p.m. Friday, the SUV had been removed with the help of a dive team and tow truck, and ferries were running back on schedule.
KIRO
