It Could Be Any of Us

— from Washington State Ferries —

(Editor’s Note: Although this is not a story about any of our local ferry routes, any of us might relate to the circumstances involved. And, in its own way, it prompts our sympathy and amusement as a ferry customer relates his/her WSF experience.)

We are writing to commend the extraordinary assistance we received from [Second Mate] John Pelland and his “E” watch team on the4:40 [p.m. April 15] Puyallup sailing from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Parked at the head of the port-side ramp, our vehicle stalled, ultimately becoming fully disabled. The situation was about as bad as it gets for a commute run. Dozens of vehicles behind us had to back off. Three sailings were delayed. And, as you might imagine, tempers were taxed.

A bit about the situation: At first, as the ferry was landing at Winslow, we believed the battery had died. The crew gave us a jump. Then, for reasons that remain unclear, there was a loud, screaming sound from the engine area, followed by smoke pouring out from under the hood. Even then, we hoped we could be pushed off the boat. That plan evaporated when we discovered the gearshift had locked in Park. We could not shift into Neutral and, therefore, could not be pushed. Finally, a resourceful crew member … found how to locate the lock-override mechanism by checking a YouTube video on the phone. …By that time, the decision was made to leave the car in place so as not to delay the schedule any further. We rode back to Seattle on a partially loaded boat, and then back again, where the car was finally pushed from the boat and left overnight on the dock.

We go into this detail to let you know how complicated and potentially aggravating the incident was for all concerned. John and his team were professional, courteous, and helpful throughout. Undoubtedly, they absorbed some frustration and abuse from harried commuters. Certainly, they were mindful of the ferry schedule and the knock-on consequences of delay. To us, however, they showed nothing but resourcefulness, courtesy, and sympathy for our situation. They kept us informed of the options and of the decisions that were being made. They were careful with our vehicle and kept traffic moving as well as possible under difficult circumstances, remaining cheerful throughout.

While it was an unfortunate, embarrassing experience for us – nobody wants to be one of “those guys,” particularly during the afternoon commute – it was made much less unpleasant by the efforts of John and his team. We wanted to express our appreciation to John and the “E” watch team in writing and, most especially, to make you aware of the exceptional work of your crew.