Bicycle left on ferry; Coast Guard searches for possible missing person

A bicycle was left behind on the Washington State Ferry Wenatchee late Wednesday afternoon and the Coast Guard searched for a possible missing person.

The bicycle, a red "Giant" 10 speed, was found after the 5:30 p.m. run from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, according to the Coast Guard.

The bicycle was found on the ferry's car deck raising the possibility that its rider may have gone overboard.

Ferry system workers and the State Patrol searched the ferry, but found no one associated with the bicycle or any personal items left behind.

The Coast Guard, using several boats and a helicopter, searched a 15-square miles area in Elliott Bay between Seattle and Bainbridge Island for four hours, but turned up nothing.

The search was called off at 10:40 p.m. Wednesday. Lt. Cmdr. John Park says there have been no reports of missing people who might have been on the ferry.

Anyone having information regarding the bicycle is urged to contact the ferry system's Public Information Line at (206) 464-6400 or the Coast Guard Search and Rescue Hotline at (206) 217-6001.