Men on ferry appear 'suspicious'

SEATTLE, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- The FBI is seeking two men whose behavior on a Washington state ferry raised suspicion among ferry workers and members of the public.

FBI Special Agent Larry Carr said the two were seen pacing areas of the boat, apparently trying to measure distances, CNN reported Wednesday.

The two were also spotted two months earlier taking pictures of the ferries, including areas marked restricted, and studying emergency evacuation plans. Carr said the men have been seen on multiple ferries and routes.

The FBI is seeking to determine whether the behavior was harmless or part of a sinister plot. Pictures of the men, taken by ferry crew, have been released to media outlets -- but some have refused to print the photos, saying the men, who could be of Middle Eastern origin, are not suspected of having committed any crimes.

"We just want to ensure that there is just one standard being implemented for suspicious behavior for both people who appear to be Middle Eastern and those who appear not to be Middle Eastern," said Naseem Tuffaha of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.