An $8 million fishing vessel was stolen by a man who allegedly pretended to be the ship’s captain.
According to a post from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police, crew members on board were awakened by a man who claimed to be the skipper, who then instructed them to set sail.
“The newer crew did not know the captain, but didn’t argue, thinking he was an alternate operator, or someone sent by the real Captain,” the post reads. “He surely acted the part as he knew how to start and operate the large vessel.”
But the crew suspected something was amiss as their self-appointed fearless leader spoke about meeting a “Chinese Mothership” while generally “not making sense.” They then got ahold of the real captain, who exposed the alleged imposter.
When the ship returned to port, the suspect was arrested on charges including theft and possession of stolen property.