Imposter Hijacks $8 Million Fishing Vessel with Crew Aboard

In a highly unusual maritime theft, an imposter successfully took control of an 80-foot commercial fishing vessel in Westport, Washington while the crew was still aboard.

According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police, the imposter hijacked the F/V JAMIE MARIE, an $8 million groundfish vessel, and steered it into the Grays Harbor bar before the crew realized something was very wrong.

WDFW Sergeant Alexander, who was on patrol at the time, overheard a radio call about a “vehicle theft” in progress. However, the stolen vehicle in question wasn’t a car or motorcycle, but a full-scale fishing vessel.

Investigators reported that the suspect had boarded the F/V JAMIE MARIE, awoke the sleeping crew, and ordered them to get underway. Several of the newer crew members did not question his authority, assuming he was either an alternate captain or someone authorized to take control of the vessel and crew.

While the imposter initially carried himself like an experienced captain, his orders and conversations soon set off alarms among the crew. Rather than discussing fishing operations or navigational plans, he spoke of meeting a “Chinese mothership.” This raised concerns among the crew, who then reached out to contact the real captain, who swiftly confirmed that the man was an imposter.

The suspect ultimately turned the vessel back toward port, where Westport police were waiting. Officers arrested him upon arrival and discovered $4,000 in cash along with a large quantity of marijuana in his possession.

Further investigation revealed that this was not his first attempt at stealing a vessel. Earlier that morning, the suspect boarded another large fishing vessel, managed to start the engines, then attempted to convince the crew to set sail. The crew recognized him as an imposter and chased him off. However, they did not report the incident until news of the F/V JAMIE MARIE theft came to light.

The suspect was taken into custody by the Westport Police Department and is facing multiple charges, including theft, possession of stolen property, vehicle prowling, and drug-related offenses. Authorities have not released the man’s identity at this time.