Elwha out of service for rest of summer season
Published 5:01 pm Tuesday, July 14, 2015
The Elwha ferry is out of service for the rest of the summer season for approximately four months according to a Washington State Department of Transportation travel alert bulletin.
Ian Sterling, spokesperson for WSDOT Ferry Divisions, says the problem is a complicated electrical issue with the drive motor, but replacement parts are on hand and repairs are being made as quickly as possible in Eagle Harbor.
According to a WSDOT Ferry alert Tuesday, July 14: “We realize having one of our mid-sized vessels out for an extended period of time puts a strain on travelers, especially during the height of our busiest season. Until further notice, the 124-car Kitsap will continue to serve the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route in place of the Elwha.”
According to the alerts, reservation holders on Friday when the Elwha first shut down were loaded on a first come/first served basis. Reservation holders were not be charged a penalty if they are unable to make the new scheduled times.
According to Washington State Ferry Assistant Secretary Lynne Griffith, “The Kitsap was moved to the route last weekend to replace the Elwha and it will remain on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route through the end of the summer sailing season. While the 124 car capacity Kitsap holds 20 fewer cars than the 144 car Elwha, this plan avoids large service reductions to the Islands during this busy travel period.”
The Elwha was built in 1967 and can carry 144 cars and a maximum of 2,000 passengers.
For more information on the Elwha check WSDOT Travel Alert Bulletins online or call 511 to speak to an information agent.
