Kitsap Transit has alerted Fast Ferry riders that sailings between Kingston and Seattle have been canceled for Aug. 26 and until further notice, the first blow to an agency that recently announced a shortage of vessels could cause significant disruptions for Puget Sound commuters.

KT originally reported that the cancelations were prompted by mechanical issues with the current vessel and the lack of an available backup. That statement was later updated, an Aug. 26 Facebook post confirming one of the ferries on the Bremerton-Seattle route was taken out of service. Officials said the Rich Passage 1, which had served the Kingston route since early August, was being pulled in order to maintain two-boat service in Bremerton.

“Kitsap Transit pass holders in Seattle can obtain a ticket to ride Washington State Ferries by checking in with the agent at the Seattle passenger-only ferry dock,” the agency said in a rider alert. “Passengers who ride our Routed buses to the Kingston Ferry Terminal should use one of our Park & Rides and ride Routed services that go to Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal.”

Kingston and Southworth were the two Fast Ferry routes operating without a backup vessel as stated by KT in late July. Both the M/V Enetai and the M/V Commander are tied up until late 2024 and early 2025, respectively, due to a failed part in the jet propulsion system and a lengthy timeline for the part’s delivery.

The elimination of another vessel leaves Bremerton’s and Southworth’s routes without backup vessels. Issues with ferries on either route could force even more cancelations.