Date:  Friday, June 19, 2009

Contact: Susan Harris-Huether, WSDOT Ferries Division, Senior Programs Manager, 206-515-3460
Marta Coursey, Communications Director, 206-515-3918

JUNE 25 UPDATE: The 144-car Kaleetan returned to service at the beginning of the service day on Thursday, June 25. With the Kaleetan’s return, the Sealth replaced the Hiyu, which had been filling in as the inter-island vessel. These boat moves restored capacity on the route.

June 19 news release:

ANACORTES – The 34-auto Hiyu will operate on the San Juan inter-island route for approximately one week beginning Saturday, June 20 while maintenance on the 144-car Kaleetan is completed.

The ­Kaleetan was scheduled to come out of the shipyard and begin service in the San Juan Islands on Sunday, June 21 for the start of the summer sailing schedule. Crews have been working extended hours to complete work on the Kaleetan, however, emerging maintenance needs will likely extend the vessel’s maintenance period for up to one week.

The Hiyu ­– the ferry system’s only backup vessel – will replace the 90-auto Sealth on the inter-island route. The Sealth, along with the 144-auto Elwha, 144-auto Yakima and 124-auto Chelan will provide service between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands for the start of the summer sailing schedule. Once the Kaleetan returns to service, it will join the Elwha, Yakima and Chelan, and the Sealth will return to the inter-island route.

Travelers should expect significant vehicle-capacity reductions and are advised to arrive early and allow extra time for long waits at all terminals in the San Juan Islands while the Hiyu serves the inter-island route. WSF also encourages San Juan Islands customers to walk on instead of taking their vehicles.

Updates will be provided when more information becomes available. For more ferry system information, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. To sign up for free e-mail alerts about service disruptions and other route information, click on the link in the far left column of the Web site.

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