Date:
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Contact:
Jayne Davis, Regional Operations Manager, 206-264-3591
(SEATTLE) Washington State Ferries (WSF) announced today that the regular vessel on the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route, the Rhododendron, will be out of service until mid-September for repair. WSF had hoped to have the vessel back in service this week, but has since learned that repairs will take longer than expected. The 34-car Hiyu, the smallest ferry in the fleet, is operating on the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route in the meantime.
Because the Hiyu carries fewer vehicles than the Rhododendron, travelers are encouraged to avoid peak periods or use other ferry routes if they have to travel to Vashon Island. "We expect some delays on the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route and sailings will sell out earlier than usual," said Steve Rodgers, WSF Director of Operations. "We apologize for any inconvenience this causes our customers." Route information, including wait times, will be updated regularly on the WSF website at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
The 60 year-old Rhododendron is at Foss Shipyard in Seattle for repairs to the rub rail approximately four feet above the waterline. "We're working with our shipyard partners and the U.S. Coast Guard to repair the vessel and have it back in service as soon as possible," said Paul Brodeur, WSF Director of Vessel Preservation and Maintenance.
Built in 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland, the Rhododendron is the only vessel of its class in the WSF fleet. It operates year-round on the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route from Tacoma to the south end of Vashon Island.
< Back to News Home