The Kingston/Edmonds ferry route is running at reduced capacity, after a hard landing by the ferry Wenatchee forced Washington State Ferries to shuffle boats Sunday.
According to WSF, the Wenatchee crashed into Colman Dock at the end of its 10:25 a.m. sailing from Bainbridge. The landing caused damage to the vessel’s bow and the slip’s wing wall.
Following the incident, the 144-car Hyak was pulled from the Bremerton route to restore two-boat service on the Bainbridge run Sunday afternoon. Then overnight, WSF moved the 202-car Puyallup from the Kingston/Edmonds route to the Bainbridge route in exchange for the Hyak.
The move reduced capacity on the Kingston/Edmonds route by 58 vehicles. The Bremerton route is operating with one ferry.
The Wenatchee was taken to Todd Pacific Shipyards for inspection. WSF spokeswoman Susan Harris-Huether said the Wenatchee is expected to return to service in about one week, depending on the extent of repairs needed.
The cause of the hard landing is under investigation by WSF and the U.S. Coast Guard. According to WSF, the investigation will include standard drug testing for the captain and crew.
The investigation should take about 30 days, Harris-Huether said.
Check back for updates.