Seafair Boating Under the Influence Emphasis Nets Same Boat Twice

Two men were arrested for "boating under the influence" four hours apart after operating the same boat on Lake Washington, according to a Washington State Patrol press release.

They were two of 71 people who face boating under the influence charges after a multi-agency enforcement emphasis on Lake Washington during Seafair weekend.

During Seafair festivities Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. the Impaired Operator Emphasis on Lake Washington stopped a boat for a “No Go Zone” violation, according to the state patrol. Law enforcement officers arrested the operator, Joseph Dalrymple of Renton, on investigation of BUI, according to the release.

Dalrymple told law enforcement that he made arrangements to have a sober person in the boat so he could drink, according to the press release.

Four hours later,  at 5:40 p.m. Sunday, officers stopped the same boat was stopped for a “No Wake Zone” violation and the operator, Thomas Hutchison of Newcastle, was arrested for investigation of BUI, according to the state patrol press release. During processing, Hutchison stated that the registered owner of the boat had been arrested for BUI earlier in the day. While checking records for earlier stops it was discovered that there was an earlier arrest for BUI from the very same boat.

Both operators were booked into the King County Jail, the state patrol reported.

Dalrymple and Hutchison were two out of 71 arrests for investigation of BUI, according to the state patrol. Law enforcement contacted 554 boats, according to the state patrol. Three face charges of Minor in Possession.

The multi agency emphasis, which included the , Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Seattle Police & Harbor Patrol, King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, United States Coast Guard, and the Washington State Patrol, concluded at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Many officers and troopers said they experienced an increased number of designated drivers and people stating they “paid someone to drive” for them. Enforcement is making a difference in safety as many Seafair boaters are making safer choices and planning ahead for a sober operator, according to the Washington State Patrol.

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-- Information from the Washington State Patrol