In what could potentially be the most bizarre story of the week, a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to steal an 80-foot-long commercial fishing vessel worth $8 million.

The US state of Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police took to its Facebook page on Wednesday (Feb. 26) to share the details, and the story has now been picked up by multiple local news stations. 

The subject boarded the vessel, Jamie Marie, and woke the crew, advising them that "they needed to get underway," WDFW reported. He then allegedly proceeded to start the vessel and navigate it onto the Grays Harbor bar.

"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 WDFW said, attempting to explain the crew's compliant response. 

However, the state agency said the crew "finally figured out something was wrong" when the imposter started talking about "meeting the Chinese mothership." At that point, a call to the real captain of the Jamie Marie revealed someone had stolen the vessel with the crew onboard, according to WDFW.

The agency said the imposter skipper "eventually brought the vessel back to port," where he was taken into custody by Westport Police Department. He was also found to be in possession of $4,000 cash and "a large quantity of individually weighed and packaged marijuana," it said.

Further investigation found that the individual, who has not yet been publicly identified, also boarded another large vessel that morning, WDFW said. He attempted to "rally the crew for a trip to sea" but was unsuccessful and they "ran him off," according to the agency.

The thief has been charged with Theft 1, Possession of Stolen Property 1, vehicle prowl 1, and VUCSA manufacture/delivery," WDFW said.