4:10 PM: King County Water Taxi just e-mailed word that West Seattle runs are canceled from 4:15 pm through 7 pm (that means, the rest of the day/night) because of a “mechanical issue.” Checking for more details.

4:42 PM UPDATE: As was the case last time, this is because of a problem with the boat that serves Vashon. The county just sent full details – news release after the jump. First, another update:

7:34 PM UPDATE: The latest update says the West Seattle Water Taxi service is canceled “till further notice.” To clarify whether any change was expected tonight, or whether this meant it’s likely there’ll be no service tomorrow, we checked with Rochelle Ogershok at KC Department of Transportation; at this point, she confirmed, West Seattle Water Taxi service is NOT likely tomorrow – Rachel Marie will keep filling in for Melissa Ann. Now, the enws release from three hours ago:

The King County Marine Division is advising water taxi passengers of service changes due to a mechanical problem on the Melissa Ann, which operates between Vashon Island and downtown Seattle.

Clamps holding a rubber seal that prevents water from getting into the engine room
of the vessel have slipped and need to be repositioned. The Marine Division is now
in the process of determining whether the vessel will need to be placed in dry-dock
for repairs or can be fixed in the water.

So until further notice, the Rachel Marie, which normally operates between West
Seattle and downtown Seattle, will instead operate the Vashon/downtown Seattle
service. As a result, West Seattle service is canceled until further notice.

The Vashon water taxi service averages about 660 passengers per day while the West
Seattle service averages about 135 daily passengers. Updates will be provided as
additional information becomes available.