||| FROM NICOLE MCINTOSH for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES |||
Internal investigation on Cathlamet incident at Fauntleroy terminal
The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. When Cathlamet struck offshore pilings at Fauntleroy terminal on July 28, 2022, we immediately launched an internal investigation to determine the cause and to ensure something similar does not happen again. That investigation is now complete. Separate Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board investigations are ongoing and there isn’t a release date set at this time.
The incident caused an estimated $7.7 million in damage to Cathlamet and an offshore piling structure at Fauntleroy terminal.
Our investigation found that human error and a failure to follow existing procedures led to the incident. The captain resigned the next day and has not provided an explanation as to what happened. We sent a safety notice reinforcing landing procedures immediately following the event. As a result of the internal investigation, additional policies and training are under development. In addition, “black box” data recorders have been installed aboard Cathlamet and will become standard equipment on all our vessels. We remain in constant contact with federal investigators and we may administer further changes based on Coast Guard recommendations.
Repairs to Cathlamet are complete and the vessel is scheduled to return to service in the next couple of days on our Edmonds/Kingston route.
Ferry Riders’ Opinion Group survey
Share your thoughts about us in the latest Ferry Riders Opinion Group survey hosted by the Washington State Transportation Commission. Casual, recreational and regular riders, as well as those who are interested in ferry issues and management are encouraged to take the current survey. Sign up to join the Ferry Riders’ Opinion Group to ensure you’re included all future surveys. Thanks for your participation and input!
Seeking shipbuilder to convert largest vessels to hybrid electric
On Monday, we launched an invitation for bid to convert our three Jumbo Mark II ferries to hybrid electric. Converting our largest vessels will significantly reduce our carbon footprint as 26% of our greenhouse gases come from our Jumbo Mark IIs. The conversion will reduce their emissions by more than 20% initially, then by nearly 95% when terminals are electrified in 2026. Bids are due by June 1.
Lane closure near Tahlequah terminal begins Monday, April 3
Plan for travel delays over the next month if you use Vashon Highway Southwest to access our Tahlequah terminal. Starting Monday, April 3, the northbound lane just north of the dock will be closed around the clock through Friday, April 28, for King County Road Services slide repair and roadside drainage work. All northbound traffic (leaving the terminal) will be detoured onto 131st Ave Southwest, while southbound traffic (toward the dock) will remain open.
Washington State Ferries March Madness update
Our March Madness-style WSF Tournament is down to the Final Four: Puyallup, Walla Walla, Kaleetan and Kitsap! Vote in our semifinal matchups on our Twitter page tomorrow, March 31, and our finals Monday, April 3.
Next Weekly Update will be Thursday, April 13
There will be no Weekly Update on Thursday, April 6. We’ll catch up in our next Weekly Update on Thursday, April 13!
