Public Info on Hyak Crash with Sailboat Still Limited

by Lin McNulty

The Ferry Hyak.

In an interview, Marta Coursey from WSF Communications, was able to offer only limited information in the ongoing investigation involving a sailboat and the Ferry Hyak on September 13.

Orcas Issues will present full information as it becomes available. In the meantime, here is what the ferry service is making public:

1. We understand, as is customary, two ferry workers have been placed on administrative leave. Is this paid administrative leave?  The Captain and the second mate have been placed on paid administrative assignment.
2. What were their positions/responsibilities on the ferry? Please see answer above.
3. Is WSF, as well as the Coast Guard, investigating, and are they separate investigations? WSF has convened a Board of Inquiry into the incident involving the Hyak.  This safety investigation will be conducted by a cross-departmental team consisting of subject-matter experts from appropriate sources under the direction of the Assistant Secretary of the ferries division.  U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a separate, yet parallel, investigation to the WSF Board of Inquiry.
4. When might we expect a report from WSF on the final findings? The duration of the investigation is unknown because the scope of any incident varies depending upon a variety of factors.  Some of the factors involved in the findings of fact can include (but are not limited to) the following considerations:  crew information, damage to vessel, waterway information, meteorology, medical findings, and other pertinent ship/vessel information.
5. We know the sailboat eventually sank, was there any damage to the Hyak? No
6. Where on the Hyak was the collision—stern, starboard…?  This will be part of the report conclusions.
7. What were the weather conditions at the time and place of the collision? Was there an employee on lookout on the car deck? This will be part of the report conclusions.
8. Any follow-up information on the condition of the sailboat captain? No.
9. Anything else our readers should know at this point? WSF has an unparalleled safety record; the safety of our customers and crew is of paramount importance. We remain grateful that no one was injured and we use every incident as an opportunity to remind our crews of our uncompromising commitment to safe and reliable service.