Elwha out of service, replaced by Chelan | Updated

Ian Sterling, spokesperson for WSDOT Ferry Divisions, says the problem is a complicated electrical issue, but replacement parts are on hand and repairs are being made as quickly as possible.

By Anna V. Smith • July 10, 2015 2:27 pm
The Sealth is a WSDOT ferry currently in service on the Fauntleroy to Southworth routes. Another ferry in the fleet
The Sealth is a WSDOT ferry currently in service on the Fauntleroy to Southworth routes. Another ferry in the fleet

By Anna V. Smith

The Elwha ferry is out of service until further notice due to “necessary repairs to the vessel,” according to a Washington State Department of Transportation alert.

Ian Sterling, spokesperson for WSDOT Ferry Divisions, says the problem is a complicated electrical issue, but replacement parts are on hand and repairs are being made as quickly as possible.

“Of course this throws reservations for a loop, but we’re hopeful we can get this thing fixed and running as fast as we can,” Sterling said.

According to a WSDOT travel alert: “The 9:35 a.m. departure from Anacortes to Lopez is cancelled due to necessary repairs to the vessel. This will cancel the 10:45 a.m. departure from Lopez to Anacortes. The 10:20 a.m. departure from Anacortes to Shaw and Orcas will make an unscheduled stop in Lopez to accommodate vehicle traffic. Additionally, the 12:05 p.m. departure from Orcas will make an unscheduled stop at Lopez at 12:45 p.m.”

According to the alerts, reservation holders will be loaded on a first come/ first served basis. Reservation holders will not be charged a penalty if they are unable to make the new scheduled times.

The Elwha was built in 1967 and can carry 144 cars and a maximum of 2,000 passengers.

“This is a big, complicated machine coming up on 50 years here,” Sterling said. “Lyndon Johnson was president when it was made, the Beatles were still producing hits.”

For more information on the Elwha check WSDOT Travel Alert Bulletins online or call 511 to speak to an information agent.

UPDATE: Friday, July 10, 2015 4:41 PM

Chelan To Complete Elwha’s Late-Night Service 7/10
The Elwha remains out of service until further notice due to problems with the drive motor. Beginning with a late 8:20 p.m. departure from Anacortes to Friday Harbor, the 124-vehicle Chelan will run out the Elwha’s late-night sailing schedule. Chelan will make all stops eastbound when returning to Anacortes.

UPDATE: Friday, July 10, 2015 01:54 PM

Ana/SJ’s – Correction- Revision To Inter-Island Service
The Elwha is out of service for the remainder of the day due to problems with the drive motor. The inter-island vessel Klahowya will make a 2:15 pm departure from Friday Harbor to Lopez and a 3:05 pm departure from Lopez to Anacortes. The Klahowya will then make an unscheduled 4:00 pm departure from Anacortes to Friday Harbor and will then sail on its regular inter-island schedule for the remainder of the day beginning with a late 5:30 pm departure from Friday Harbor.

UPDATE: 7/10/15 1:47 PM

The following departures are cancelled: Eastbound- The 3:05pm from Orcas and the 3:20pm from Shaw. Westbound: The 3:45pm from Lopez; the 4:05pm from Shaw, and the 4:25pm from Orcas. REMINDER: The Klahowya will make the 2:15pm departure from Friday Harbor to Lopez as well as the 3:05pm from Lopez to Anacortes.

UPDATE: 7/10/2015 1:48 PM

Revision To Inter-Island Service: The Elwha is out of service for the remainder of the day due to problems with the drive motor. The inter-island vessel Klahowya will make a 2:15pm departure from Friday Harbor to Lopez and a 3:05pm departure from Lopez to Anacortes. The Klahowya will then make an unscheduled 4:00pm departure from Anacortes to Friday Harbor and will then sail on its regular inter-island schedule for the remainder of the day beginning with a late 5:30pm departure from Friday Harbor.

UPDATE: 7/10/2015 11:48:57 AM

11:55am to Friday Harbor and 1:50pm from Friday Harbor Cancelled:
Due to necessary repairs to the vessel, the 11:55am departure from Anacortes to Friday Harbor is cancelled. This will cancel the 1:50pm departure from Friday Harbor to Lopez and Anacortes. The next departure from Anacortes to Friday Harbor is 2:00pm. Reservation holders will be loaded on a first come/first served basis and will not be charged a penalty if unable to travel today. Drive up customers should expect extremely long delays. We apologize for the inconvenience. Updates will occur when more information becomes available.