3-7-2019
SEATTLE, Wash. (AP) — Nearly one-third of the state ferry fleet is currently out of service, forcing cutbacks and changes to some routes.
A Washington State Ferries spokesman says seven of the fleet’s 23 vessels have been pulled from service.
KOMO reports that four of those could be operating, but are being held in port while waiting for U.S. Coast Guard inspections.
One of the most important ferries of the fleet, the Wenatchee, was recently damaged by leftover crab pot lines damaging the propeller shaft seal.
#Wenatchee currently in emergency drydock at @VigorIndustrial for repairs to propeller stern tube shaft damaged by crab pot line. Current estimate is to have the vessel back in action by next week with many of our routes returning to normal service. pic.twitter.com/ayJ0lWGYSq
— Washington State Ferries (@wsferries) March 5, 2019