Ferry Runs Aground at Coupeville

— from KOMO.com —

Dive teams work to repair the damaged M/V Kennewick ferry that ran aground on July 8, 2015. (Photo courtesy: Washington State Ferries)

One of the state ferry system’s newest vessels ran aground Wednesday morning while docking at Coupeville, shutting down all service on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route for several hours, officials said.

Ferry service was restored around 1:30 p.m., officials said.

Washington State Ferries spokesman Ian Sterling said the ferry Kennewick was stuck near the Coupeville dock and blocked access to the ferry landing, which means the second vessel on the route couldn’t dock, either. Sterling said ferry officials aren’t yet sure why the Kennewick ran aground.

Divers were dispatched to the scene to inspect the ferry’s hull for damage.

Officials said reservation holders for any Wednesday sailing will be prioritized on a first come, first serve basis.