WSF Weekly Report | Onboard memorials, boat fire in Elliott Bay, (rein)deer games

||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES |||

A message from Steve

This year, nearly 200 families have trusted us as hosts of memorial services for their loved ones. It is a great honor to provide this opportunity for Washingtonians to say goodbye amid the beauty of the waterways we travel. We offer memorial services during non-peak travel times on most routes, pausing the sailing to allow families a few moments of quiet reflection. The ceremony includes releasing ashes in a certified biodegradable container with our crew’s support for safety.

Our ferries are an icon of the region, holding a special place in the hearts of many. Onboard memorial services are allowed weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and before 10 a.m. on weekends on all routes, except Point Defiance/Tahlequah and Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth.

I acknowledge the heartfelt care our employees provide families during these memorials, going above and beyond their regular responsibilities. Our captains and crews often stop the ferry, join the ceremony and sound the horn as a special salute. Our vessels are more than just a way to travel, they are a deep connection to the waters we hold dear. I am truly moved by the compassion our employees show during these special moments, ensuring that each journey is filled with meaning. Thank you for trusting us with the privilege of being part of such significant and memorable occasions.

Crews respond to boat fire in Seattle’s Elliott Bay

Over the weekend, our employees showed the vital role they play in keeping the Salish Sea safe. On Sunday, Chimacum and Walla Walla crews responded to a vessel fire in Seattle’s Elliott Bay. They acted as “eyes and ears on the water,” sharing important details with the U.S. Coast Guard, Seattle Fire Department and other mariners in the area. Thank you to our crews for their quick action and to our partners for their great teamwork. Moments like these highlight the importance of having vigilant and skilled mariners out on the water every day.

Capt. Jorge Pinzon and the Chimacum crew respond to a vessel fire Sunday off the Seattle waterfront. When they arrived at the scene, a good Samaritan had rescued a person who abandoned the burning boat.

Terminals pass USCG inspections with flying colors

I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news about our ferry terminals! Each year, the U.S. Coast Guard inspects each one of them twice – once planned and once unannounced. These checks are detailed to make sure we follow all federal safety and security rules. We had perfect compliance with USCG standards at each of our terminals in 2024. This accomplishment highlights the hard work of our terminal supervisors and employees. By working closely with our fleet and security teams, they keep our operations running smoothly and safely.

All our terminals passed their semiannual USCG inspections this year without a single deficiency.

Fauntleroy terminal project advisory group meetings

Our Fauntleroy terminal replacement project brought together its technical and community advisory groups this week. The project team presented information on how alternatives for the dock were screened. Completing this evaluation process moves the team one step closer to selecting an alternative to move forward for further environmental review. Stay tuned for more updates in early 2025 as we wrap up the planning process. You can find recordings of these recent meetings and register to attend future meetings in the community engagement section of the project website.

SR 305 weekday roadwork near Poulsbo, Dec. 17-19

Daytime ferry travelers who use State Route 305 to get onto Bainbridge Island should plan for possible delays next week. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, through Thursday, Dec. 19, traffic may stop for up to 30 minutes just east of Poulsbo near Totten Road/Lemolo Shore Drive for work on a fish barrier removal project. Crews may also stop vehicles briefly or reduce the highway to one lane of alternating traffic from 4 to 5 a.m. on those days.

Holiday herd prances through Southworth terminal

Our Southworth terminal staff joined in some (rein)deer games last week. Three deer were spotted trying to hitch a ride to Vashon. Our employees redirected them away from vehicle lanes and safely out of the terminal. When asked where they were trying to go, the deer said, “No Comet.” Thanks to our crew for keeping passengers and visitors safe this holiday season!

A family of deer visited our Southworth terminal on Dec. 5.

Sailing stats for the week of Dec. 2-8

For the week of Dec. 2-8, we completed 99.78% of our 2,787 scheduled sailings. This figure is separate from on-time performance. Of the six cancellations, two were due to a vessel being out of service, two because of tidal currents and two for schedule resets (when a boat is so far behind schedule, we cancel a sailing to get it back on schedule, providing predictability for customers).

Customer kudos

“I wanted to provide huge thanks and accolades to James (Groom, info agent) based in the information area at Pier 52 on the Seattle waterfront. I am 78 and was visiting from out of town to attend the funeral of a dear friend and had lost my phone. James was so helpful and helped me figure out the ferry to Bainbridge and get ahold of my daughter and just help calm my nerves. He was so patient and helpful and remembered me when I came back through on the another end and helped direct me to the cabs to get back to where I was staying. Thank you, thank you for your kindness and help!”

-Seattle/Bainbridge route customer