Tuesday, 18 August 2015 11:46
More trouble with passenger ship "Columbia"
Written by AdminSailor
A crack in part of its exhaust system caused a 24-hour delay of the "Columbia" in Bellingham on Aug 14.
It departed Bellingham at 8 p.m. on Aug 15 after temporary repairs were made. Then, another temporary repair was needed while on course to Ketchikan.
The failed part was being inspected to determine if it could be fixed or if a replacement is needed. The problem with the bellows was discovered a little more than a week ago, but it only recently became severe enough to shut down the ferry.
The initial failure, which rendered the ship unable to move after it pulled into port in Bellingham, was repaired by crews without the need for spare parts.
Passengers stranded in Ketchikan by the Columbia’s breakdown were being transferred to the ferries Malaspina and Matanuska, which was scheduled to leave Ketchikan.
The ferry "Leconte" also helped cover for the Columbia’s absence, filling in on northern Lynn Canal routes. The fast ferry "Chenega" had been expected to pitch in, but heavy weather kept the "Chenega" moored.