FOLLOWUP: Repairs yet to begin on ferry, pilings damaged in Fauntleroy crash

(USCG photo, July 28)

More than two weeks after the state ferry M/V Cathlamet crashed into the pilings-centered structure known as a “dolphin” off the Fauntleroy dock, repairs have yet to begin on the damaged boat and dolphin. That’s according to Washington State Ferries, with whom we checked at week’s end regarding the status of repairs. Spokesperson Dana Warr told us, “Work with contractors to determine timelines are happening and fully understanding the total cost of repairs on both the vessel and terminal is still too early. The vessel remains in Eagle Harbor and logistics to repair the terminal are not finalized; however, work is expected to begin in the coming weeks.” Eagle Harbor is the WSF maintenance facility just south of its Bainbridge Island terminal. The Cathlamet was arriving from Fauntleroy shortly after 8 am on Thursday, July 28th, when it crashed into the dolphin. No one was seriously hurt. The to-date-unidentified captain who was on duty at the time, a 36-year WSF employee, resigned days later. The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the investigation into the incident.

21 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Repairs yet to begin on ferry, pilings damaged in Fauntleroy crash"

  • Rocky Raccoon August 14, 2022 (9:37 am)

    So frustrating. 

  • Lucy August 14, 2022 (10:23 am)

    Well. We need to study this more! Environmental impact studies.  Traffic rerouting studies.  Union work issues.  Contractors! Study, study study, then hire a blue ribbon committee to write up a proposal to the city council for another committee to vote on!

    • Bob August 14, 2022 (10:36 am)

      I agree Lucy. Seattle “process” will continue to slow any possible progress.  (Light rail???) See Portland 

      • WSB August 14, 2022 (10:42 am)

        WSF is a state agency, not city. (Note “state” in its name.) Part of the Washington State Department of Transportation.

        • Lucy August 14, 2022 (12:28 pm)

          I’m sorry my sarcasm was lost.  

          • Josh August 14, 2022 (6:40 pm)

            It wasn’t lost.  Just misplaced.

  • Don Brubeck August 14, 2022 (11:05 am)

    I wasn’t even able to get a body shop to fix a dent in my car door this fast.  You don’t just go storming in with sledgehammers and cutting torches.  Figuring out the full scope of damage and the best way to fix something is part of fixing something. It’s called engineeering, planning, and wise use of taxpayer funded resources. 

  • Jim P. August 14, 2022 (11:32 am)

    How is it the captain is not identified?  It’s not like there’s hundred of ferry boat captains roaming the wharves.

    • Neighbor August 14, 2022 (12:51 pm)

      Because you don’t need to know?  The investigation isn’t complete.  Why name and shame someone before their guilt is determined?  So some maniac with a gun doesn’t go threaten him.

    • Mob Rules August 14, 2022 (1:08 pm)

      Why do you need to know this?

    • Anne August 14, 2022 (1:22 pm)

      Why do we need to know his name right now. He resigned . When USCG finishes investigation perhaps Captain will be named. 

    • 22blades August 14, 2022 (6:27 pm)

      …because you’re going to… It’s not like he walked out the door with nuclear weapons documents…

    • these days August 14, 2022 (7:01 pm)

      Mobbing is becoming a serious problem these days.

  • DRW August 14, 2022 (1:08 pm)

    Ok, my unscientific conclusion. The boats propulsion system went wonky. The captain was still able tp steer the vessel. He crashed the boat intentionally into the dolphin rather than hit the dock and or the waiting room. 

    • Peter August 14, 2022 (4:05 pm)

      Quite possible. That boat apparently had ongoing mechanical problems starting when it was new. 

    • aRF August 14, 2022 (4:47 pm)

      Let’s not rule out the paranormal. This has all the hallmarks of Rolf Neslund. 

    • Logic August 14, 2022 (5:56 pm)

      If it had engine issues, why would the drive it back for repairs and not tow it. It would be pretty reckless to run something that just crashed. 

    • Sparky August 15, 2022 (4:14 pm)

      Sorry, but if the Capn’ was a hero, that information would have somehow been released.  The fact that nearly nothing has been said is pretty telling, and it’s not good.

  • Mj August 14, 2022 (5:21 pm)

    Lucy WSDoT tends to repair/fix infrastructure far more quickly than SDoT, it’s like a varsity squad versus the bench warmer’s on the JV squad!  

  • Bruce August 15, 2022 (8:55 am)

    The captain is a member of a union (Masters, Mates & Pilots, I suspect) so there will be a well defined process for adjudicating what happens to  him.

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