WSF Port Townsend-Keystone Route to Continue Full Servcie

Washington State Ferries (WSF) said that the Port Townsend-Keystone route will continue to operate on a two-boat regular schedule, despite reports that the Nisqually may be taken off the route and service reduced to one vessel. The Nisqually and the Klickitat will operate on the published summer schedule, which is available online at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/.

On Sunday, July 29, a slow leak was discovered in the stern tube (part of the vessel steering system) of the Illahee. The Illahee was removed from service and taken to Todd Shipyard in Seattle for repairs. On Monday, July 30, the Nisqually was brought to Port Townsend to replace it and will remain in service on this route, along with the Klickitat, for approximately two weeks while the Illahee is in the shipyard for repair and another Steel Electric, the Quinault, is in for U.S. Coast Guard inspection and maintenance. “WSF’s number one priority is to provide safe service,” said WSF Executive Director Mike Anderson. “We are committed to working with the U.S. Coast Guard to make sure that the Steel Electric class vessels are thoroughly inspected and maintained.”