Port Jefferson ferry evacuated after 'misunderstanding' about threat
Suffolk County police converge at the Port Jefferson Ferry Terminal to investigate an incident in which two passengers were overhead making a threat. It was later determined to be a 'misunderstanding," police said. Credit: James Carbone
Suffolk police evacuated the Port Jefferson ferry Wednesday afternoon after a passenger was overheard discussing the potential to put a bomb on the boat, authorities said.
Police determined the incident was noncriminal and no explosives were found.
Authorities said they received a 911 call at around 1:20 p.m. concerning a passenger who had been discussing the possibility of putting an explosive on the ferry, which is operated by the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Co.
Police interviewed passengers, who were asked to disembark at the Port Jefferson ferry terminal, and determined the incident was a "misunderstanding," police said in a statement.
The ferry was headed for Port Jefferson.
Officials with the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Co. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.
'A spark for them to escalate the fighting' A standoff between officials has stalled progress, eroded community patience and escalated the price tag for taxpayers. Newsday investigative editor Paul LaRocco and NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie report.
'A spark for them to escalate the fighting' A standoff between officials has stalled progress, eroded community patience and escalated the price tag for taxpayers. Newsday investigative editor Paul LaRocco and NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie report.
