— from Washington State Ferries —
UPDATE: 12:30 p.m. Sunday
The repairs have been completed and the Elwha will return to service with the 12:40 p.m. departure from Anacortes to Lopez and Orcas. The next departure from Orcas is 2:10 p.m. Reservation holders will be given priority loading. We apologize for the inconvenience
The 7:40am departure from Anacortes to Orcas is cancelled due to a propulsion problem with the Elwha. Vessel engineers are working to resolve the issue. This will also cancel the 8:50 a.m. departure from Orcas to Lopez and Anacortes. We apologize for the inconvenience. Updates will occur when more information is available.
The National Weather Service is predicting severe winds in our region Sunday, January 7. This storm system is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to Western Washington. Safety is the number one priority of Washington State Ferries, so in the event of extremely severe weather, customers can expect WSF to take precautions that will affect the sailing schedule.
To assist our customers in making travel plans, here are some of the possible service disruptions customers may experience in bad weather. Please keep in mind that these are only predictions, and WSF will be monitoring the situation in real time to make appropriate adjustments to schedules and service:
• Anacortes/San Juan Islands: Customers can expect delays on this route while the ferries move at slower speeds and take alternate storm routes.
• Mukilteo/Clinton: Sailings between Mukilteo and Clinton may experience choppy waters and a bumpy ride.
• Port Townsend/Coupeville: Service on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route may be suspended in the event of strong southwesterly winds.
• Central Puget Sound/South Sound routes: These routes are not likely to experience many impacts from the storm, though it’s possible that heavy traffic will delay service.
In addition, in inclement weather boats may be “shortloaded”—not loaded to full capacity—to stabilize the vessels and keep more weight on the boat’s stern (back end).
WSF is fortunate to have highly-trained and capable captains, crews, and staff who are prepared for any situation. We ask that customers please extend their patience and cooperation to them as delays and cancellations are likely. WSF will closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary
