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The Washington State Ferry boat Chelan ran aground Sunday night, closing the Orcas Island terminal and putting the ship out of service.
WSF said that the incident happened around 9:35 p.m. when the ferry left Orcas Island for Friday Harbor.
According to KIRO 7 News, ferry officials called it a “soft grounding.”
There were only four passengers on board. They were given life preservers as a precaution while crew members checked the boat for possible damage.
None was found, and the boat returned to Orcas Island terminal.
[Last Updated: Monday, August 21, 2023 03:05 PM]
WSF Aims to Restore Interisland Service Once Chelan is Moved
WSF is arranging to move the Chelan from Friday Harbor and have another boat take its place to restore service on the Interisland route. A recent inspection of the Chelan revealed the boat sustained hull damage likely caused by shoreline impact. Therefore, the boat will require towing to free up the terminal’s lone tie-up slip and create space for the incoming boat. Interisland service remains suspended until then.
