FERRY ALERT UPDATE: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route crew shortage

5:03 PM: Washington State Ferries says the Triangle Route will be back down to two boats this evening because of a crew shortage. Here’s the WSF alert:

Due to a shortage of Coast Guard-documented Crew, the #2 Sealth will tie up after completing the 4:40 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon, and the 5:05 p.m. Vashon to Southworth.

The following sailings are canceled for the remainder of the day:

5:30 p.m. and 7:10 p.m. Southworth to Vashon
5:50 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Vashon to Fauntleroy
6:20 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon
6:45 p.m. Vashon to Southworth

5:50 PM UPDATE: The Sealth is now sailing, but at reduced capacity. The updated alert:

The #2 Sealth will sail at reduced passenger capacity due to lack of Coast Guard documented crew.

This will affect the following sailings:

5:30 p.m. and 7:10 p.m. Southworth to Vashon
5:50 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Vashon to Fauntleroy
6:20 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon
6:45 p.m. Vashon to Southworth

5 Replies to "FERRY ALERT UPDATE: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route crew shortage"

  • 1WS Resident June 19, 2021 (7:20 pm)

    Where is the crew?  Could it be that because they will get full pay for calling in sick they are just staying home to enjoy the weather?  Or perhaps they all have severe Covid?  Or maybe the WSFS has not been able to hire to fill vacancies.  In any event, it should be pretty alarming that this stranding of motorists and passengers occurred.  Pile on top of that the ferries  they can’t keep operational and it could be a real nasty summer for those that depend on the ferry’s.  Would love to hear WSFS’s explanation of todays cancellations and what they are going to do to prevent this in the future.

    • WSB June 19, 2021 (8:03 pm)

      Covered in our recent report on WSF’s spring community meeting.
      https://westseattleblog.com/2021/05/fare-increase-options-vaccination-celebration-what-else-surfaced-washington-state-ferries-spring-meeting-with-encore-tomorrow/
      Here’s the excerpt from our report, specifically brought up during participant Q/A:

      Q: Why are sailings being canceled for lack of qualified staff? A: They’re still short because the early months of the pandemic pushed back their regular hiring/training time of year, and reduced the allowable size of training classes, and this year they’re trying to catch up but still facing challenges, including a shortage of applicants for terminal and engine-room jobs. Another question on this topic asked: If the staff shortage is chronic, why is there such short notice of canceled sailings? The dispatch team works to fill those openings up to the last minute. The dispatch service closes for the night at 10 pm, though, so some nights they are just deciding on morning cancellations if closing time arrives and they have spots unfilled.

    • Eddie June 20, 2021 (10:56 am)

      The lack of available crew thing has been affecting the ferry system for that last several years. It’s not new and it’s not isolated to this incident.

  • 1WS Resident June 19, 2021 (8:22 pm)

    Thanks WSB for clarifying the situation. You are, as always, very helpful and informative.  Much appreciated!

  • Rick June 20, 2021 (9:44 am)

    Let’s just close down I-5 once in a while just for fun and see how that works. 

Sorry, comment time is over.