Monday, August 4, 2014

Time to put on life jackets...


No, not on our boat.

On our long trip yesterday, we got passengers back in time to make the 6:30 ferry from Friday Harbor to Anacortes.  On that ferry trip, there was a mechanical problem (probably electrical) that caused some smoke and shut down one engine.  Passengers were ordered to don life jackets and assemble on the passenger deck.  After 30 minutes, they were allowed to take the life jackets off and the ferry made a slow trip back to Anacortes.

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2024235585_elwhamalfunctionxml.html

This morning, the 6:25 departure from Anacortes and the 8:05 departure from Friday Harbor have been cancelled.  That morning departure is always very busy on a Monday morning.  It is going to be a very busy time on the island, as businesses scramble to reschedule or cancel reservations for people who are trying to (or off) the island.

Last week, the Washington State Ferry folks pulled our international ferry out of service (Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney, BC) to cover a route for a broken down ferry in Puget Sound, leaving people stranded in each of those ports.

I understand they can't have a spare ferry in the wings, waiting to be put into service... but, 2 in a week's time... in the middle of the busiest time of year... what a mess.

Our day off.  Not my circus...


2 comments:

Lost Petrel said...

Transportation infrastructure in general is at a weakened state. The effect of that kind of economic dependence becomes real obvious on an island.

Captain Jim and the Blonde said...

You got that right, Tim! This island is completely dependent on the ferry. Take one ferry run out of the daily schedule, and that is around 2,000 fewer people on the island.

The marina is hopping - no transient slips available on a Monday.