Bremerton Ferry Terminal News

The 149-passenger Snohomish was back in service with a 9 a.m. departure from the Bremerton Ferry Terminal, following a hard landing last night and an unrelated back-up generator malfunction this morning. Both Washington State Ferries (WSF) and the U.S. Coast Guard are conducting separate investigations into the incident that took place a little after 5 p.m. Feb. 11. The initial report is that there was construction equipment in the way as the Snohomish attempted to land at the Bremerton Terminal. The vessel, which was carrying approximately 141 passengers plus crew, tried to maneuver around the equipment and landed hard at the terminal. Some minor injuries to five passengers were reported. There was no damage to the vessel or terminal.

The Washington State ferry that was damaged after striking a dock has been towed to Eagle Harbor, Wash., for repairs. The ferry Yakima struck a dock adjacent to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal on its last run. The strike caused several fractures to the hull, some water intake and some structural damage. The fractures found in the hull were sealed by divers and the vessel was shored-up and dewatered. The vessel will need to be dry-docked, repaired and then inspected by the Coast Guard before it can return to service. The Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.